THE NEW JERSEY FREEMASON...6 GM’s Calendar 7Lodge Secretaries Meeting 8Polar Bear Plunge 10 GM’s...

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THE NEW JERSEY FREEMASONSpring 2018

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:Nominations for GL Office P. 11230th Annual Communication Legislation P. 22Does Your Plan Match Your Priorities? P. 63

2 THE NEW JERSEY FREEMASON Spring 2018

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Spring 2018 THE NEW JERSEY FREEMASON 3

My Brethren,

I would like to extend a “Thank You” to our Grand Master Dieter B. Hees on his very successful year. His leadership the past year was invaluable to the entire fraternity.

Secondly, The Elected Line of Right Worshipful: Roger B. Quintana, Gregory J. Scott, Robert V. Monacelli , Grand Secretary John S. Ryan, PGM and finally Grand Treasurer Robert J. Sheridan, PGM. I look forward to the continued excellence you all have provided the Fraternity year after year.

Last but not least, Brothers Ric Fernandez and Martin Bogardus, who as Assistant Editors have helped me tremendously and without their assistance I never would have been able to accomplish all that we have achieved this year.

To all the Brethren who have submitted articles, papers, notifications and feedback to me. I value each and every one of you.

I look forward to another great year and will see you all this April in Atlantic City at our Annual Convention.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

R.W. Cory Sigler, PGCEditor

Letter from the Editor

Table of Contents

Masons in Action 50-61 51 NJFM Donation 52 Continuation of Masonic Light 53 Children’s Dyslexia Centers of NJ 54 2017 NJ Statewide Voorhis A.M.D. In-Gathering 56 A Program to Educate the Brothers 57 Wreaths Across America 2017 58 Congratulations Scholarship Recipients 58 Masons on Parade in NJ’s Annual Hispanic Parade 59 Freemasons Launch Zero Hunger Campaign 59 Lodge No. 62 Contestant Wins Miss Camden County 60 Huricane Relief 61 Masonic Recognition Sunday

Masonic Home 63 Does Your Plan Match Your Priorities?

Upcoming Meetings & Events 6 GM’s Calendar 7 Lodge Secretaries Meeting 8 Polar Bear Plunge 10 GM’s Open Installation 34 Salaam Shrine Events for 2018 35 Salaam Shriners Charity Golf Outing 55 DeMolay Golf Tournament

Advertisers 2 Liberty Roofing 31 We Need You! 48 Ameriprise Financial 61 Euvino & Barbara Private Wealth Management 62 Law Offices of Ron Bar-Nadav 62 The NJ Freemason Reaches Thousands of Brethren 64 MCF Vehicle Donation

Grand Lodge of New Jersey100 Barrack StreetTrenton, NJ 08608Office: (609) 239-3950Fax: (609) 386-4332www.NewJerseyGrandLodge.org

OFFICERSGrand MasterDieter B. Hees

Deputy Grand MasterRoger B. Quintana

Senior Grand WardenGregory J. Scott

Junior Grand WardenRobert V. Monacelli

Grand TreasurerRobert J. Sheridan, PGM

Grand SecretaryJohn S. Ryan, PGM

Editor in ChiefCory [email protected]

Associate EditorsMartin [email protected]

Ric [email protected]

ScheduleSummer 2018 (Submission deadline July 1st)

The New Jersey Freemason is published by the Masonic Charity Foundation of New Jersey.

Grand Lodge 4-37 5 Grand Master’s Message 6 Deputy Grand Master’s Message 7 Senior Grand Warden’s Message 8 Junior Grand Warden’s Message 9 Registration Procedure for Electronic Balloting 11 Nominations for Grand Lodge Office 12 Uncontested Nominees for Office 12 Nominees for Junior Grand Warden 15 Nominees for Grand Lodge Trustee 17 Nominees for Historic Trenton Masonic Temple Trustee 18 Nominees for Masonic Charity Foundation 22 230th Annual Communication Legislation 29 Proposed Grand Lodge Budget 2018-2019 30 Happenings at West Hill 30 The Grand Lodge of NJ Ashlar Fund Inc. 31 Reception for RW Robert “Victory” Monacelli 32 Feast of Saint John 33 GM’s PV to the NJ Veterans Memorial Home 33 A Unique Master’s Jewel 36 2017 NJ Masonic Leadership Conference 37 For the Love of Children

Education 38-49 38 Honoring M.W. David A. Chase, PGM 2001 39 Whence We Come? 40 Could Bruce Wayne (Batman) Have Been a Freemason? 42 Mason Day on Battleship USS New Jersey 43 GM Visits the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 44 Job Well Done! 45 From a Candidate to a Mason 46 Dressing Your Lodge for Success 49 300th Gala Event 49 300 Years of Fellowship

Masons in Action 50-61 50 A Revolutionary Affair 50 We Wined and Dined at the Open Latino Festive Board!


Grand LodgeGrand Master’s Memorable Moments


Grand Master’s MessageGrand Lodge

Achieving New Heights Together – It’s What We Do A famous insight proffered by

Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back as “always in motion is the future.” Those are certainly profound and wise words spoken by a shaman, and it remains no less true today.

We live in a fast-paced society that will only see acceleration in the future. Our craft, steeped in tradition, just celebrated the 300th anniversary of the United Grand Lodge of England. We are like an old castle that has been transformed into a modern 5-star hotel. How else can one explain an institution still flourishing after more than 300 years? In point of fact, change has been so rapid during these past three centuries that no other organization survived.

Freemasonry has persevered over these many generations, vacillating in numbers, but “always in motion”. This is because our basic principles and precepts are timeless, and each generation is tasked with making Freemasonry relevant. We have developed a unique combination of self-improvement and community involvement centered on the Golden Rule,

that great universal law of treating others as we would like to be treated.

This year we have certainly been in motion for the future, asking all members to be bold, exceptional and brilliant by preserving the past, living in the present and preparing for the future. We do this by communicating better, connecting better, and engaging better. By focusing on value content, we create excitement, enthusiasm and generate growth for generations to come using our Masonic GPS of Groundwork, Passion and Skills.

After many years of serving the Craft in various positions, I thank all who have made this year a success. It has brought me great pleasure to serve the Brethren. Our collective efforts have made a difference to New Jersey Freemasonry, having fun and enjoying fellowship in the process. This train is reaching its station soon, before embarking on other journeys.

I look forward to seeing you in my future travels and Masonic adventures.

With brotherly love to all,

M.W. Dieter B. HeesGrand Master

300th Anniversary Celebration - Liberty House, Jersey City


My Brothers,

Our Fraternity has declined in numbers; that is a fact. What can we do to address this issue?

Our focus has been on procedures and memorizing ritual, while forgetting what once made us a great fraternity: Being civil and caring for each other. Paying bills, reading lengthy minutes, boring business meetings have taken the focus away from our obligation to one other and have discouraged members to take time out of their busy lives to come to Lodge. If we continue to forget why we exist, then we will cease to exist. Men today are looking for a place that provides the values and principals which were once the main focus of our fraternity. In “Reclaiming the Soul of Freemasonry”, Volume One, Past Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, John Wm. McNaughton states “It is time for all of us to reflect on our past and understand what sustained us in our proudest days – fellowship, restoring hope and dignity to those in need and creating a better tomorrow for our Brothers and ourselves.” My Brothers I encourage you to read “Reclaiming the Soul of Freemasonry”.

The Scottish Rite Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction hired an independent marketing firm to study how we as Freemasons could move our beloved fraternity forward. I am not surprised to find out that the study concluded that Men today are looking for connections, engagement and education. This study revealed that the majority of men today are looking for an organization which will help them be better while improving the quality of the lives of others. However, what is surprising is that the majority of these men were NOT aware that these values already exist and are taught in Freemasonry. Is our focus on our core values lost? Are the men coming in the inner door running out the outer door once they are not finding what they are looking for in our Lodges? Men today are interested in not what we do but why we do it. These candidates come to our doors looking to become “Freemasons”. Their idea of Freemasonry is our legacy and our reputation. They are looking for a “quality” society. However, let us be honest with ourselves. Are we offering what these Men are seeking? It is true that every lodge has its culture and I support the heritage of our local lodges. However, Grand Lodge cannot make your lodge great, we can only urge you to do so. Only

you, the local lodge, can demand greatness of yourself, and avoid becoming the most terrible of things - ordinary. Give our Brothers and those that knock on your doors a purpose for wanting to do more and be engaged and active. Never let a Brother sit alone in lodge. Involve every Brother in lodge activities. If they are not in lodge, call them. Make every meeting an educational experience. Relief is not only monetary, it is more importantly being there as a Brother in the good times as well as the bad. Brother Chris Hodapp ended his address at the 2017 Conference of Grand Masters, with the following, “Just never forget this final message. This little club of ours is supposed to be mythic, visionary and legendary. Because your job, their job, my job is to teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea that is Freemasonry. Every single day. Not just for your year, but every year… Millennials and every other man who has ever knocked on the door of every single Masonic lodge everywhere on the face of the earth has that longing for the endless immensity of the sea that is Freemasonry I talk about, that dream of becoming a Mason. Don’t let lodges become places in the business of wrecking those dreams, but of fulfilling them. When the men we already have want to come back and stay and can’t wait to be there, and show up on weekends, and in the snowstorm, and after a lousy day at work.”

In conclusion, to address the declining membership, we must first focus on retention. To focus on retention, we must focus on the Masonic experience provided at our local lodges. I continue to urge each one of you to elevate and improve the Masonic experience at your lodge. It is our duty to live up to our reputation and not settle for mediocrity. If in the past couple of years, you raised new members to the sublime degree of Master Mason, and these same newly raised Masons are not active today, then start by asking why? Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth is not only our way of life, it is our legacy and road to our future.

With my sincere fraternal regards,

R.W. Roger B. QuintanaDeputy Grand Master

Grand LodgeDeputy Grand Master’s Message

April 9-13 Annual Communication Atlantic City 12 GM Installation & Dinner 21 AASR Statewide Reunion Rainbow Charity Bowl 26 GM Reception

May 10 GM Comedy Dinner 16 Deputy School/MCF Board Meeting 21-22 GL of Michigan 26 Princeton Memorial Day Parade 31 GL of Arizona

June 1-2 Gl of Arizona 2-3 Wheelchair Track & Field Event 8-10 DeMolay Convention 10-13 MCSA Convention 18 GM Golf Outing 20 Deputy School

GM’s 2018 Calendar


ALL LODGE SECRETARIES, ASSISTANT SECRETARIES... PAST SECRETARIES & LODGE TREASURERS

The Masonic Secretaries Association of New Jersey cordially invites you to become a member.

Meetings are held three times a year (January - May - September).

The next meeting of the Association will be held at Grow Hall, Masonic Home Campus, Burlington on

Saturday, MAY 5, 2018 Coffee and donuts 9:30 AM • Meeting 10 AM

Join your fellow Brethren and share in discussing issues and concerns of Lodge Secretaries.

For further information contact: Wayne Thomas Unit 308, 21 W. Black Horse Pike, Pleasantville, NJ 08232

Phone: 609.470.1591

Greetings Brothers;

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our newly installed Worshipful Masters

and Officers for the ensuing Masonic year and hope you have a very fruitful, productive and enlightening year. Please know, that your Grand Master and Elected Line, are here for you and will do, whatever we can, to support you and your Lodges.

Our Masonic Charity Foundation and Masonic Village at Burlington, has been going through some exciting times lately. It has been my privilege and pleasure, to have been on the MCF Board of Directors, for the past 5 years and have been part of and witnessed, some dramatic changes that have altered the direction, that our Foundation is going in. Working closely with our management team, Ashlar Creative Solutions, a subsidiary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, who operates and manage five, very successful Masonic campuses in Pennsylvania, we have tapped their skills, resources and experience and have looked at every facet of our operation. And through, our combined efforts, we have redirected our focus and outlook for the future. We have refinanced our debt, at a substantial savings. We are realizing gains, from a positive growth in our investments. Our Solar Field and Co-generation Plant, have contributed to major savings in our utility costs. Realignment and evaluation of our Staff and Personal, has produced a more effective utilization of our personal and workforce. A more efficient and comprehensive Billing and Accounting procedures, are assuring better accountability and controls over our costs and receivables. These are just a few of many positive things that have been done.

Revaluation of the overall usage of our 425-acre facility has brought about change. The makeup of our previously 264 Skilled nursing beds, 75 Assisted living beds and 174 residential beds, totaling 513 beds has been realigned. The Board decided to develop an untapped resource and create 85, Residential Apartments, which are at 100% occupancy. This project was so successful, we are currently creating 82, new Residential Apartment units which already have 39 units, reserved prior to construction. Thus, downsizing our bed

configuration to 143 Skilled nursing beds, 57 Assisted living beds and 20 Memory Support beds, totaling 210 beds. This 41% reduction in beds and construction of the 167 Residential Apartments has and will significantly reduced our negative impact to our revenue. But at the same time, still providing a total spectrum of Health Services, to our Residents. Another exciting project is the 66 unit Retirement Living Cottages, which also is being received very positively, with 36 deposits, for a 54% pre-sale, prior to construction. This is considered Phase 1 and 2 of our slated projects, with much more to come. I felt we all should know what is going on at your Masonic Village. Hopefully, with all these positive changes and future projects that are planned, we will achieve our goal of balancing the budget and a positive growth in the year 2019. So, please visit your Masonic Village at Burlington and support your Masonic Charity Foundation. This is OUR, Masonic Village and OUR, Future.

Another positive note I would like to mention, is while Traveling throughout our Grand Jurisdiction this year, I have observed and witnessed a delightful change in Attitude, between our Blue Lodges and our Appendant Bodies. What we are seeing is the recognition that in order for our Fraternity to grow and flourish, we need to work together. By pooling all our resources and talents, we will be able to spread the word of Freemasonry and all the Great work we do, to those seeking more light, thus bringing new members into our Lodges, who hopefully someday, branch out and join and support out Appendant Bodies. I look forward to supporting these positive advancements and hope that by working together, we all will grow and prosper. Remember my Brothers; How good and pleasant it is, for Brothers to dwell together in Unity.

I look forward to seeing you all in my travels and at our Annual Communication.

Best Fraternal Regards;

Gregory J. ScottSenior Grand Warden

Grand LodgeSenior Grand Warden’s Message


Grand LodgeJunior Grand Warden’s Message

There is an old saying that goes “May you live in interesting times”. This is supposed to be an ancient Chinese curse; however, it is neither ancient nor Oriental in origin. And as for a curse, it depends on your point of view.

In Freemasonry, we are indeed living in interesting times as we begin to embrace new ideas and engage in groundbreaking programs to move our beloved craft into the 21st Century. Our brand is solid and the gifts that we offer to mankind have not measurably changed over the last 300 years. However, we have allowed ourselves to become complacent and have too often fallen back on our ritual to carry us forward. Our ritual is a solid foundation upon which our fraternity is built, but it is not the be-all and end-all of our craft. We need to do a better job in reaching out to our members and listening to their voices as we plan our future path.

I have sat in many lodges over my Masonic career and have witnessed many nights of degrees and programs presented. Some were excellent, and some not so. Many of you have heard me speak to this, that we need to make our meetings interesting/inspirational, convenient and enjoyable (ICE). To that end, I will be working with our new Grand Education Officer, Mohamad Yatim, to re-establish the Masonic Speakers’ Bureau that fell by the wayside some years back. This will create a resource for lodges to draw upon for programs on both Masonic and non-Masonic subjects. When you invite a speaker to your Lodge, make it a special night for the brethren. Don’t try to squeeze the program in between lodge business, ballots, budget meetings and even an annual meeting (yup, it happened). Clear the calendar for that evening, have a nice dinner, do only your necessary business and then move on to your program. The

goal is to get the brethren excited, motivated and thereby involved in the lodge. When your membership is engaged they will undoubtedly spread the word and stimulate the interest and participation of other brethren and even non-members.

If you are interested in offering a program for inclusion with “The Bureau”, please contact me at [email protected] and let’s start the ball rolling.

Our Scottish Rite brethren in Lexington, Massachusetts have embarked upon an ambitious and long overdue program of membership development. Under the mantra of “Not just a man, a Mason”, they have developed many wonderful, professional tools to help all of the bodies of Freemasonry to grow and prosper with a firm foundation, for when the roots are firmly established then the entire tree benefits. I encourage you to visit the Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction website at www.scottishritenmj.org to learn about their programs and especially to see Commander Glattly‘s podcast regarding the future of our craft and the assistance that is available from Lexington.

Brethren, these are indeed interesting times, and to reference M.W. Walter Kaulfers, now is the time to embrace the future, to embrace our future. May God Bless, as we spring forward into a new and wonderful season, a time for rejuvenation and growth.

Fraternally,

R.W. Robert V. MonacelliJunior Grand Warden

Polar Bear Plunge

February 24, 2018Benefiting the New Jersey Special Olympics Please Register or donate to a plunger online at:www.plungeseaside.orgRegister Under New Jersey Freemason Team Name: Hiram On Ice OrIf you are Interested in helping, please Ask a Plunger about the 2018 PIN.Need Info? Contact: Aditya Thaker, [email protected], 609-233-0265 David Lorenc, [email protected], 908-296-0960


Registration Procedure for Electronic BallotingDeadline Wednesday, April 4th

By R.W. Barry P. Kornspan, PDDGMChairman, Balloting and Registration Committee

Per C&L, Past Masters (PM) may cast their ballots for elected Grand Lodge offices (Title 3, Article IV, Section 2, Part 1) using an Internet connection. This article will outline the process you must follow in order to vote at a location other than the Balloting & Registration Room at the Annual Communication in Atlantic City. You may vote from any device (desktop, tablet, mobile) that has an Internet connection and Web browser.

You MUST REQUEST AN OFF-SITE BALLOT by PRE-REGISTERING.

To pre-register, you must send an e-mail by 11:59 pm Eastern Time, Wednesday, April 4th, 2018 to [email protected] containing:

- Your Full Name- Your E-mail Address- Your Member Number (found on your dues card or through your Lodge Secretary)- NJ Lodge Name/Number

Once your eligibility is verified, you will receive a confirmation e-mail stating that you have successfully registered. Approximately 3 days prior to the start of balloting, you will receive an e-mail with an encrypted link that will, once balloting begins, take you to the appropriate webpage. The e-mail will also contain additional information and instructions. Remember, registration for off-site voting will close at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Wednesday, April 4th, 2018.

Balloting will be open from approximately 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 11th until sometime between 9:00 am and 10:00 am Thursday, April 12th (all times Eastern). Once balloting starts, an e-mail will be sent to those who have registered reminding them that the ballot is now open. Off-site balloting may be done at ANY TIME while balloting is open in Atlantic City. Please note that the times for the start and end of off-site voting are variable depending on when the Grand Master starts and stops balloting on-site. Off-site balloting will end at the same time as on-site balloting. Please do not take a chance and wait until the last minute – vote before 9:00 am Thursday!

You may request an off-site ballot if you are a PM of any lodge in a recognized jurisdiction and a member in good standing of a Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, F&AM. Please note that the WM, SW and JW must cast the vote assigned to their office on-site (per C&L). If the WM, SW or JW is also a PM (previous year) and they are not able to attend the Annual Communication, they may only cast their PM vote off-site and must follow the procedure above to register for that ballot

Please address all questions regarding this procedure to [email protected].



Grand Lodge

JOHN S. RYAN, PGM 100 BARRACK STREET GRAND SECRETARY TRENTON, NJ 08608-2008 [email protected] 609-239-3970

Nominations for Grand Lodge Office 2018-2019Grand Master

Roger Quintana, Blue Stone Mystic Tie Malta Doric Lodge No. 3575 Cameo Place, Colonia, NJ 07067

Deputy Grand MasterGregory J. Scott, Peninsula Lodge No. 99

362 Avenue A, Bayonne, NJ 07002Senior Grand Warden

Robert V. Monacelli, AzureMasada Lodge No. 22327 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840

Junior Grand Warden (Vote for 1)Joseph A. DiNovi, Pitman Lodge No. 197

253 Clayton Avenue, Monroeville, NJ 08343Michael Holt, Lafayette Lodge No. 2795 Forest Road, Fanwood, NJ 07023

David L. Tucker, Atlantic Lodge No. 221218 Lincoln Street, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Grand TreasurerRobert J. Sheridan, Atlantic Lodge No. 221

403 Breaker Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205Grand Secretary

John S. Ryan, Livingston Lodge No. 111 Killdeer Glen, Hackettstown, NJ 07480

Grand Lodge Trustee - 3 Year Term (Vote for 1) Neal A. McCarthy, Acacia Lodge No. 20 Daniel Nemcek, Medford Lodge No. 178 83 Highview Terrace, Dover, NJ 07801 126 Stone Hedge Drive, Toms River, NJ 08753

David M. Russen, Jr., Durand Lodge No. 1791022 Philadelphia Avenue, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742

Historic Trenton Masonic Temple Trustee - 3 Year Term (Vote for 2) Jose L. Figueroa, II, Mosaic Lodge No. 194 William J. Morelli, Mount Moriah Lodge No. 28 10 West Ruby Avenue, Palisades Park, NJ 07650 304 Cox Avenue, Morrisville, PA 19067 Masonic Charity Foundation - 3 Year Term (Vote for 3) Valentin T. Basiga, Jr., Hippocrates Renaissance Lodge No. 304 George R. Bruynell, Penns Grove Lodge No. 54 137 Beach Street, Jersey City, NJ 07307 50 Jefferson Road, Pennsville, NJ 08070 Brian K. Hartel, Sr., Trenton Cyrus Lodge No. 5 Keith A. Herman, Rising Sun Lodge No. 15 1559 Reed Road, Pennington, NJ 08534 641 Guilford Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 Brian K. Mandel, Cincinnati Lodge No. 3 Leonard Vander Horn, Clifton Lodge No. 203 7 Darnay Road, Morristown, NJ 07960 4 Brittany Road, Succasunna, NJ 07876


Uncontested Nominees for Office

Grand Master Deputy Grand Master Senior Grand Warden Grand Treasurer Grand Secretary Roger Quintana Gregory J. Scott Robert V. Monacelli Robert J. Sheridan, PGM John S. Ryan Blue Stone Mystic #35 Peninsula #99 AzureMasada No. 22 Atlantic Lodge #221 Livingston Lodge No. 11 5th District 5th District 10th District 23rd District 8th District

Nominees for Junior Grand Warden (Vote for 1)

RW Joseph A. DiNovi, PGC

Personal: I live in Elk Township New Jersey. Mary and I have been married for 29 years. We have been blessed with two wonderful daughters, Lauren Baldes and Stephanie DiNovi. I have a daughter Jodi O’Donnell. We three granddaughters.

Education: Graduated, Clearview Regional High School – 1968Certified Electrician, State of New Jersey - 1971 Certified Welder, State of New Jersey – 1972Certificate, Small Business Management, Gloucester County College – 1974Teaching Certificate, Gloucester County College – 1979Substitute teacher, Gloucester County Institute of Technology 1979 - 1985

Professional History:Novacom Two Way Service, Owner/Operator – Established 1970, Restructured in 2009 as a General ContractorCherry Valley Tractor, Service Manager. 36 years

Masonic History:Pitman Lodge No. 197, Initiated, Passed and Raised - 1978Worshipful Master 1984, 1999, 2007, Secretary 2007 – 2010, Lodge trustee 2014 - PresentNew Jersey Grand Lodge - Grand Chaplain 2011

Dual Lodge Affiliations:Clarksboro Lodge No. 87, Penns Grove Excelsior Lodge No.54, Mantua Lodge No. 95 Master 2018, Woodstown Lodge No. 138, Williamstown Lodge No. 166

Masonic Affiliations:21st District Past Masters and Wardens Association

- Past President, 1985North Jersey Past Masters Association South Jersey Past Masters AssociationExcelsior Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Southern New Jersey, A.A.S.R. The Grand Royal Arch Chapter, Grand Master of the 2nd Veil 2015, Grand Tyler 2017Joshua Chapter No. 51, Royal Arch Masons, High Priest: 2013, 2015, 2016, & 2017 Anointed High Priest Degree, 2017 R.A.M. Solomon Lodge of Mark Master Masons, Tyler 2014, JD 2018Van Hook Council No. 8, Royal and Select Masters Cyrene Commandery No. 7, JW 2016, Tyler 2018Knights Templar of New Jersey Glassboro Forest No. 1, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Grand Tall, 2015New Jersey State High Twelve, Grand Secretary, 2015Nelson W. Craig High Twelve, President 2018Society of St. John – Member 2000 Grand Lodge of Missouri Past Master’s Degree – 2014, Order of the Eastern Star of New Jersey Pitman Chapter No. 51, Fairview Chapter No. #219, Crescent Shrine, A.A.O.N.M.S. since 1979Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite - Valley of Southern New Jersey since 1979

Non-Masonic Affiliations:Cross Keys United Methodist Church – Member since 1999French Lodge No. 89 Independent Order of Odd Fellows 1999, Officer, 2005Eagle Scout, Troop 55 BSA – Pitman, New Jersey 1967Order of the Arrow – Apatukwe, 1967Assistant Scout Master, Troop 55 – Pitman, New Jersey 1969 - 1971Merit Badge Counselor, Southern New Jersey CouncilGloucester County Amateur Radio Club 1962, President, 1985

Statement: I want to be your next Junior Grand Warden. My Brothers, after 40 years of actively participating

in Blue Lodge as well as many of our appendant bodies, I believe we can and must do better. I love our great fraternity and am thankful every day to be a small part of what I truly believe is the greatest fraternity in the world. I‘m inspired and humbled by our traditions and history but I also believe now is the time to step up our game if we are going to continue as a viable organization within these changing times.

My philosophy is simple and straight forward: A man’s worth is the sum of his actions.

I am focused on three specific issues:1. Continued and improved transparency in the governance of the Grand Lodge.2. Developing and supporting operating budgets that reflect current membership and financial resources.3. A continued culture of solving problems and strengthening our brotherhood through the character of the brethren.

Now that I have retired, I am able to devote myself fully to my passion and take it one step further by devoting my time to working tirelessly to make our Grand Lodge the best that it can be. Having never been one to sit on the sidelines as life passes by, I will use my 4 decades of real-world business experience to help in the success of our Grand Lodge.

We currently have, and have had many great Masons serve our Grand Lodge in various capacities. These leaders could not do it without the support of the brethren who truly believe that the fraternity comes first.

My brother, throughout my professional and Masonic careers my reputation has been exemplary. I have always believed that a square deal is the only true deal. As a Mason, I have always strived to live by the tenets of our great fraternity and to always do the right thing in all instances. It is this philosophy that I live by every day and it is

Grand Lodge


Grand LodgeNominees for Junior Grand Warden (Vote for 1)

RW Michael Holt

Symbolic Masonry:Raised October 1989 at LaFayette Lodge No. 27, Rahway, NJServed as Worshipful Master of LaFayette Lodge No. 27 in 2001 and 2003Dual Member Atlas Pythagoras Lodge No. 10, Loyalty Lodge No. 33, and

Britannia Lodge No. 1166, GL of NY.

District Appointments and Committees: 2011 – Present ARC of Union County, Masonic Liaison, Chairman 2011 – Present Children’s Dyslexia Center, Scotch Plains Campus, Member of Board of Governors2011 – 2015 Central Jersey Masonic Association, President2010 – 2012 10th Masonic District Scholarship Committee, President2009 – 2011 MSA Veterans Visitation Program, State Coordinator2008 – 2010 10th District Masters and Wardens Association, President2001 – 2011 Menlo Park Veterans Home, MSA Representative

Grand Lodge Appointments and Committees: 2017 Grand Orator 2017 Grand Lodge Representative to The Grand Lodge of Mississippi 2017 Hurricane Relief Committee (Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico) 2017 Teen Suicide Awareness Committee2017 Youth Awareness Committee2017 Officers Spring Symposium, Chairman2017 Teacher Initiative Speaker2017 300th Gala Committee 2017 Yearbook Committee2015 Masonic Education Committee 2015 – Present Strategic Planning Committee2015 – Present State of the Craft Committee 2013 – Present Constitution & By-Laws Committee2013 – 2016 Wreaths Across America, organized & placed 653 wreaths on Veterans’ graves2011 – 2016 District Deputy Grand Master, 10th Masonic District

2007 Grand Chaplain

Grand Lodge Awards:2015 Grand Lodge Meritorious Service Award2009 Masonic Service Association Distinguished Service Award

Appendant and Concordant Bodies:2012 – Present Atlas Chapter No. 99 OES2011 – Present Harold V.B. Voorhis Council No. 240 AMD, Sovereign Master 20122006 – Present St. Johns Commandery No. 9 KT1995 – Present Lafayette Chapter No. 26 RAM 1994 – Present Adoniram Council No.9 RSM1990 – Present Valley of Northern NJ, AASR

Other Affiliations:2012 – Present Knight Masons 2011 – Present Society of St John2009 – Present Project Healing Waters2001 – Present 4 Corners Square Club 2001 – Present Masonic Kilties of New Jersey – Lifetime Member

Statement: My candidacy for the Grand South rests upon my willingness to assume the responsibilities of stewardship over the Craft. If you look at Title Two in our Constitution and Laws, you will find the Ancient Charges (of 1772). Charge IV defines merit as the key deciding factor in voting members into positions of leadership. It is my personal belief that this lesson should be the cornerstone of one’s election to the Grand South.

As a candidate for Junior Grand Warden, it is my hope that my Masonic resume will speak for itself. I bring the experiences of various leadership positions from seven consecutive years serving on Grand Staff. Six of those years were spent as the District Deputy Grand Master of the 10th Masonic District, a job which I truly loved. I currently perform the duties of Grand Orator, a position which has allowed me to build on my previous experiences as DDGM and to bring about sensible amendments to our Constitution and Law and enhance awareness of Masonic Protocol. For the first time ever, I initiated incoming District Deputy Training before their installation to aid the new District Deputies in recognizing some of the more common problems they might face on a daily basis. This program proved valuable and enlightening, a program which continues today.

Professionally, for the past 35 years I have owned

and operated the Holt Machinery Company, a multifaceted construction and industrial equipment rental business employing 25 people. In my role as owner, I realize that my most important daily responsibilities go far beyond the managerial tasks of weekly payroll and managing the influx and output of a large volume of inventory. My most important function within my business centers on providing for the 25 individuals that utilize my business to support their families.

My business experience directly relates to the requirements of the station in the Grand South. The overlap in responsibilities between my professional career and my Masonic Career provide me with valuable business acumen. These skills are necessary to effectively serve our great Fraternity, including monitoring Grand Lodge’s financial condition, understanding and working with the various personality types throughout the Craft, and correctly utilizing important management tools to most effectively move our Fraternity forward. As my business cannot function without customers, similarly, our Fraternity is incapable of functioning without its membership. Understanding and coping with that fact is a key factor to keeping our Fraternity relevant for many years to come. Our Fraternity continues to face many issues including declining membership, financial management issues, lodge security, the need for enriching programs for our members, and increased financial disciplines to secure a bright future. I am ready and capable of addressing each and every one of these issues with an approach that will employ a business attitude focused on results while not forgetting that members are the core of who we are and what we do.

On a more personal note, I have been blessed with a 31 year marriage to my wife, Maureen, and have two adult children, Thomas and Madeline. Like many Brethren, I have had to navigate the trials and tribulations of family life which includes a parent’s worst nightmare – having a child diagnosed with cancer. As a family, we focused all of our energy on staying positive and treated the cancer aggressively. Privately I cried, and openly I prayed. Thankfully, the cancer has gone into remission and this experience, as unpleasant as it was for my family, is great source of strength for me. This strength I will bring with me into the Grand South’s station.

Past experiences and decisions are one of the best indicators for future results. In my current

RW Joseph A. DiNovi, PGC what I will bring to our Grand Lodge as your next Junior Grand Warden.

My brother, our Grand Lodge is a New Jersey Corporation and we are all members of it. We all deserve continued and improved transparency when it comes to the management of our Grand Lodge. I will work hard to make our Grand Lodge decision making process more open to the brethren. We all deserve to know through improved transparency the true finances of our Grand Lodge, both the good news as well as the bad. I promise to faithfully abide by and adhere to the will of the brethren by putting important issues that affect the brethren to a vote if needed. With our membership still declining yearly and without a crystal ball to tell us where we will be in 3, 5

or 10 years, we must have a fiscally responsible budget that reflects our changing times and ensures our financial stability for future generations. We need to be firm in our ability to pay our way forward and to remain vigilant in attaining our goals during trying times.

Sunlight is the best light to see those things by the naked eye, but Masonic light is the best light to see the strength of our great fraternity. When seen by the eye of a worthy brother then reflected and acted upon, our fraternity grows and prospers best.

I am a grass roots Freemason and I have never forgotten that night when I was placed in the northeast corner of my lodge. I strongly believe and will always believe in the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God.

I believe that human energy can be used to create either light or heat. I always work to generate more light and less heat. Our ritual states, “Let there be LIGHT…” not HEAT. We all need to bring a positive attitude with us every time we enter our Lodge Rooms. My mission is to bring back into focus the values that have historically placed Masons a cut above the rest of society.

My Brother, when you are standing in that voting booth, I ask you to place your trust and your confidence in me. Remember that I stand for Transparency, Fiscal Responsibility based on current finances, and involving all brethren in contributing ideas to improve our Grand Lodge for our children’s children. I stand for real change and square dealing.

continued from page 12



RW Michael Holt role as Grand Orator, I was responsible for the content creation and implementation of the Spring Seminar which was held on May 20, 2017. This program was very well received and attended by more than 350 Brothers from across the state. It has provided the fraternity with a conversation starter roadmap, and follow up guides to membership recruitment and retention. A consistent message, strengthening leadership, and educational programs are just a few ideas to increase value and retain members. Few members leave our Fraternity because of dues, they leave from a lack of value.

Our Grand Lodge belongs to each and every one of us. We should all have input into its direction, and a voice in the discussion about not only where we are, but more importantly where we want to go. We have taken careful steps to educate both the members and nonmembers alike about what we do as Masons, reevaluated and redefined our Masonic Brand, updated and recreated new and impressive petition form, created a membership recruitment and retention program for utilization by all members, and focused on a new candidate investigation form which better enables us to screen our potential candidates.

In these challenging times, repeating the same old tired ideas not only yields fewer positive results, but stifles growth for the future. It is critical that

we find innovative ways to shore up our existing membership, and find creative ways to tap new membership opportunities. In addition to membership retention, our financial condition at Grand Lodge needs to be carefully managed, and be made transparent to the membership. Our Grand Lodge Committees need direction, and to learn to work together on a regular basis. This past year I brought together the Masonic Awareness Committee, The Strategic Planning Committee, and the Education Committee in an effort to work on a single program. The results were fantastic, and those ongoing relationships continue today.

As Grand Orator, creating educational and engaging programs for the 19 Masonic Districts was one of the many tasks assigned to me. In my travels around the state, I have learned that there are many innovative programs being promoted. The programs developed by Grand Lodge committees should be regularly presented to the appointed District Deputies and Ritual Instructors. When communicated effectively, these programs can provide valuable information to the membership and to the lodges. The membership will then know what is available to them, and from whom to get it. If elected, I will strive to promote the “value added” features this Fraternity possesses, bring it to the membership in real time, and make your Grand Lodge more transparent. As a result, your membership in this Grand Jurisdiction will

be more valuable, your members more engaged, and, by extension, our membership loss due to NPDs should decrease.

We have an obligation to provide for our youth in both the DeMolay and Rainbow groups. Provide parental education pertaining to the various challenges they face which include suicide, drugs, alcohol awareness, topics we need to regularly address with our children. Our widows deserve more attention. Our veterans’ programs, blood banks, and childhood learning centers are well organized, but are always in need of additional help to keep things moving in the right direction. Our social media and electronic databases are antiquated and desperately need to be brought into the 21st century. My business experience will aide me in implementing these necessary changes and finding the correct people to spearhead these campaigns.

Lastly, I cannot stress enough just how much your vote counts. In this election, the qualifications of the candidates should be the deciding factor. Running Grand Lodge is similar to running a successful business, and the person at the top should be responsible for the success or failure of that business during their tenure. I am ready, willing, and able to take on that daunting responsibility and to be held accountable by the membership for my results.

I humbly seek, and ask for your vote.

RW David Tucker

Personal: Reside in Hammonton, Atlantic County.Married to Karen Galinas -Tucker, 25 years.4 Children: Lauren; Abigail (Rainbow Girl); Andrew (DeMolay; Past Master Councilor) and Matthew (DeMolay)1 Grandson: Leo.

Education: Atlantic-Cape Community College; A.A. PsychologyThomas Edison University; A.S. Criminal Justice; B.S.H.S. Legal ServicesRutgers University; Labor Relations, ULAPrinceton University; LAPA - Law and Public Affairs Program

Professional: Teamsters Union - Business Agent; Assistant to the President Elected Trustees: Teamsters Health and Welfare Plan Trustee Teamsters Legal Fund Trustee Teamster Scholarship Fund TrusteeGovernment Workers Union (1999 to present); Current PresidentCertificate of Appreciation - lecturing at Atlantic Community College Management Program (2004)Certificate of Appreciation - lecturing at Rutgers University Union Leadership Academy (1999)Town of Hammonton Planning Board

MASONIC INFORMATION:Blue Lodge:Atlantic Lodge No. 221

Belcher Lodge No. 180; Past Master (2011, 2012) Inspiratus Lodge No. 357 – Charter MemberNew Jersey Lodge of Masonic Research and Education No. 1786; Past Master (2015-2016)

Grand Lodge Appointments: 23rd District Deputy Grand Master - 2016-201823rd District Ritual Instructor - 2013-15Education Committee - 2012-2017Leadership Conference - 2013-2017 (Chairman 2016) Strategic Planning – 2016Committee for developing The Perfect Ashlar (2012)

Masonic Charity Foundation of New Jersey: Trustee - Term: 2016-2019Audit Committee – Chairman (2017-2018)Facilities Committee (2016-2017)Finance Committee (2017-2018)Human Resources Committee - Assistant Chairman (2017-2018)

York Rite: Trinity Chapter No. 38 of Royal Arch Masons (High Priest, 2011)Trinity Council No. 11 of Royal and Select Masters (Thrice Illustrious Master, 2012) Atlantic Commandery No. 20 (Commander, 2013)Recipient - Knight Commander of the Temple (National Recognition Award) Knight Masons Council No. 11 Red Cross of Constantine, St. Stephen’s Conclave New Jersey York Rite College No. 18 Allied Masonic Degrees, Dabar Council No. 161 (Sovereign Master 2014)Royal Order of the Masonic Knights of the Scarlet Cord (Grades 1, 2, 3)Grand College of Rites of North AmericaRoyal Order of ScotlandVeritas Court of the Masonic Order of Athelstan, Charter Member (Secretary 2015)Knight of York Cross of Honour (KYCH), Shrewsbury Priory No. 4

Scottish Rite:Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Southern New Jersey

Meritorious Service Award (Received in 2016)NJ Council of Deliberation; Committee Member of Membership Outreach, Retention and Education: Excelsior Scottish Rite Newsletter; Past Associate EditorMasonic Learning Center of Northfield; Past Member of Board of Governors

Appendant and Concordant Bodies:Crescent Shrine AAONMSAtlantic City Forest No. 11, Tall Cedars of Lebanon; Grand Tall Cedar 2017Trinity Chapter Order of DeMolay, Chapter Advisor, 2011-Present Recipient, DeMolay Cross of Honor (2017)South Jersey Past Masters AssociationCentral Jersey Past Masters Association23rd District Past Masters, Masters and Warden’s Association (President 2017)Order of Eastern Star, Keystone Chapter No. 69New Jersey College MSRICF (Rosicrucians) Trinity Church Assemblage (Operatives)Society of Saints John

Statement: My name is David Tucker and I am a candidate for the office of Junior Grand Warden. I am seeking this position because I can make a positive and lasting impact on Freemasonry in New Jersey.

My goal is to promote the principles of Freemasonry and to support the Masonic Lodges in reaching their goals. I will meet with the Districts, listen to their concerns and provide vision and leadership from our Grand Lodge. When an organization provides vision and leadership, the organization flourishes. When vision and leadership are weak, the organization becomes like a rudderless ship. We must listen to the needs of the Lodges and support them with real benefits. If elected, I will use my leadership lessons gathered over a lifetime of experience to promote and support our Masonic objectives and to provide for our members.




RW Neal A McCarthy, GLT

Personal: After graduating from High School, I enlisted in the Unites States Army in October 1965 serving 3 years on active duty, being Honorable Discharged as a Sergeant E-5. Upon returning to civilian life, I took the civil

service exam and joined the Rockaway Township Police Department in Dec 1968, serving 25 years before retiring in 1993. During that 25 years, was a member of North Jersey Lodge No. 18, Fraternal Order of Police, then helped Charter Rockaway Township Lodge No. 31 in 1970, serving 15 years as Secretary 4 years as Vice President of Lodge No 31. Appointed State Recording Secretary for 1978 & 1979. Elected State Secretary, of the New Jersey State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police serving 1980 to 1984. In 1996 after retirement I was hired as Manager of the NJ FOP News which I did until 1999.

Member of Rockaway Township American Legion Post No. 344. Member of Birchwood Fire Co. No. 4, of the Rockaway Township Fire Department for 8 years, serving as Vice President and President for 5 of those years.

Volunteer on the National Ski Patrol for 6 years.

Believing that children are our future, started coaching Soccer for the Rockaway Township Youth Soccer Association. Beginning with an

in-house team then moved up to Coaching a Traveling Team playing in the Morris County Youth Soccer League. In the Morris County Youth Soccer League, I coached a League Select Team during the summer, taking teams to tournaments throughout the Tri-State area as well as Boston, Ma and Laval Canada. Served as League Registrar for the League and as a District Commissioner for the New Jersey State Youth Soccer Association also serving on the Appeals Committee of the NJSYSA.

On June 25, 1972, married my wife Denise and raised two sons, William C. and Neal A. III. We have 4 grand children; Colleen M, Jakob A, Owen J and Zachary N.

Presently I serve as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for VOLTA HOPE CHILDREN’S HOME Inc., a 501c-3 Orphanage in Ghana, West Africa. Construction started in 2012 by my sister & brother-in-law, Brother Ernest Agbesi and recently opened to receive children in August 2017 with 23 children.

Masonic History:Member of Acacia Lodge No. 20, serving as Worshipful Master in 1996 and 2008Dual Member of Harmony Lodge No. 8Honorary Member of Colonial-Prospect Lodge No. 24Senior Grand Deacon 2003District Ritual Instructor, 11th Masonic District 2008 to 2010District Deputy Grand Master, 11th Masonic District 2011 to 2013Grand Lodge Trustee 2015 to presentNew Jersey Masonic Wheelchair Track & Field Meet Committee 2006 to present. Serving as Vice Chairman 2007- 2011 and Chairman 2012 to 2016

Masonic Community Charity Fund Committee 2013-2016Trial of Charges Committee 2015-2016Grand Lodge Ritual Committee 2014 & 2016Baldwin Chapter No. 17, Royal Arch Masons. High Priest of Triangle Chapter No. 50 in 1998 DDGHP of the 18th Capitular District 1999 to 2006Recipient of the Junis C.M. Schmmidt, Distinguished Service MedalQuayle Council, Royal and Select Master’s, serving as Thrice Illustrious Master 2000. DDGM 2 Crptic District 2002 to 2008Trinity Commandery No. 17Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Northern New Jersey, Chapter of Rose Croix line. Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Salaam TempleNew Jersey Council No. 10, Knight MasonsRoyal Order of ScotlandAncient Egyptian Order of Sciots NJ Pyramid No. 2Southern California Lodge of Research, Grand Lodge of CaliforniaCivil War Lodge of Research No. 1861, Grand Lodge of VirginiaNew Jersey Lodge of Research No. 1786, Grand Lodge of New Jersey11th Masonic District Past Master’s Association.Masonic Kilties of New Jersey, served as President 2004 to 2006North Jersey Past Master’s Masonic Association served as President 2004South Jersey Master’s and Wardens AssociationReceived The Grand Cross of Color, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls August 2013 Received Honorary Legion of Honor, The International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay in October 2013


RW David TuckerMembership in a Masonic Lodge is by choice. Men choose to become Masons and they must choose to remain a Mason. We lose Masons because they choose to leave the Fraternity. This trend must be reversed. Our Grand Lodge must listen to the issues, develop and support programs to make Masonry meaningful to men today. We must give them something to value. Men are seeking enlightenment and fraternity. We must provide it. My Masonic experiences have given me many ideas to enhance these areas. If membership in New Jersey Freemasonry is perceived as enjoyable and valuable, men will choose to stay. I will work with the Lodges to enhance the Masonic experience so that men choose to stay.

Our Masonic Lodges are facing obstacles. We cannot address these concerns by top-down micromanagement. The issues cannot be cured by more paperwork and stricter compliance standards. Our problems were not created by paperwork and cannot be cured by paperwork. We need better solutions. I will participate in a dialogue with our Lodge members, Officers and Past-Masters and we will develop the best practices for our success. If elected, I will continue to travel and learn and we will implement meaningful changes to overcome our obstacles.

As Freemasons, we should focus our efforts to put Masons first. There are many charitable organizations supporting many good causes. As Masons, we should focus our primary attention on Masons first. Many Brothers can use our Masonic Charity. Our children can benefit from programs, scholarships and mentoring. Our Brothers facing hardships can use our fellowship and assistance. We should do good unto all men but especially Brother Masons. The needs of our Brothers will be my primary focus.

Our Grand Lodge needs a quality and focused public relations program. Our Scottish Rite and our Shriners have very professional and successful public relations. Our Grand Lodge should work with the Brothers who developed those programs. We do not need to reinvent the wheel. We can identify success and duplicate it for our benefit. It will enhance our image and attract the quality men we deserve. If elected, I will ensure our Grand Lodge institutes a solid and useful public relations program.

I enjoy being a Freemason. I have served as a Worshipful Master twice. It has been my pleasure to join and lead many appendant and concordant bodies. They all have something to offer to men who want to increase in knowledge and to serve our Craft. My wife and children have participated in the Rainbow Girls, DeMolay and Eastern Star. I

have served on Grand Lodge Committees and as a District Ritual Instructor, as a District Deputy Grand Master and was elected a Masonic Charity Foundation Trustee. I have served in all levels of our Fraternity and I have learned a lot. Now that my children are grown and I have more free time, I want to continue my service. I am personally invested in Freemasonry and in working to preserve our institution.

Freemasonry is at a crossroad. We have serious decisions to make. We all know our Craft is as relevant today as it was 300 years ago, I say even more so. It is our obligation to lead it into the future or lose it. I have a broad and deep understanding of the whole body of Freemasonry. It has been my pleasure to serve Grand Lodge in many capacities. I have many ideas to improve our Fraternity and to support our members. I ask for your vote for the office of Junior Grand Warden. I promise I will give my full attention and effort to lead our Grand Lodge forward. I will listen and learn and research the best practices for our success. I will work with the Grand Line Officers in front of me and those after me to ensure many years of progress. Under my leadership, we will meet our challenges and emerge with stronger Lodges on a better path for tomorrow. If elected, I will play a key role in a great future for our Fraternity.

Nominees for Grand Lodge Trustee (Vote for 1)


Grand LodgeNominees for Grand Lodge Trustee (Vote for 1)


RW Neal A McCarthy, GLT Recipient of The Daniel Cox Award 2015

Hobbies:Photography, soccer, genealogy, travel and my grandchildren.

Statement: A successful organization requires more than strong leadership, it also requires a strong sound financial plan. The ability to make tough financial decisions, some of which may be unpopular is a must if the organization is to succeed. It’s nice doing things that are popular, however sound leadership requires us to be fiscally responsible as well. The Grand Lodge Constitution and By-Laws places that responsibility directly in the hands of the Grand Lodge Trustees, therefore, we must account for all Grand Lodge spending. During my military & police career, I learned the need for responsible spending. It paid off after my retirement

when I was called back by the president of my police union to bring an out of control union publication back out of the red. Though it wasn’t accomplished overnight, in less than 1 year, the paper was again running in the black and two years later was able to run successfully without a manager and I continued into my retirement. Tough decisions had to be made to change outdated printing & mailing methods. Suppliers that had been used for years were changed because it was in the best interest of the union to save money. This was all accomplished without missing a publication deadline and providing a superior product to the membership which continues to this day. Those choices were made to cut cost and do what was in the best interest of the union because that is where my sole responsibility rested. Over the last three years, your Trustee’s have worked with our investment advisor R.W. Richard F Schmidt to get the best

returns possible from our permanent fund investments. Recently we brought in a new Accountant who is now bringing Grand Lodge Bookkeeping into the 21st Century. Under the old system it was impossible to see where funds were being spent. At our September 2016 meeting with assistance from the Elected line, we undertook the task of writing an Employee’s Manual for Full & Part-time Employees to insure fair treatment of both Grand Lodge and the Employees.

My Brother, I remain as willing today as I was 25 years ago when I was first conducted through the Inner Door, to see that the Best Interests of Grand Lodge and the Brethren who compose it is carried out to the best of my ability.

I remain ready to make the tough decisions regarding the future of our Grand Lodge along with it’s finances and with your vote and support in Atlantic City, we can make a difference.

Daniel Nemcek, PM

Personal: I was born and raised in Argentina. In 2000 I immigrated to the United States and became an American Citizen in 2009.

My first job in this great country was working as a food runner at Jose Tejas Restaurant in Woodbridge. That

is where I began learning to speak English. My other early sources of instruction were the television, radio and newspapers.

I knew, without the shadow of a doubt, that if I was going to succeed in my new country I had to first become fluent in English!

It did not take me very long to figure out that if I was going to become truly fluent in my new language I had to enroll in a night school English class. This turned out to be one of the very best decisions I had ever made because there I met the most wonderful teacher of “English as a Second Language”.

How wonderful was she? Well, we got married soon after my graduation (that’s how wonderful she is). For the last 9 years we have lived in Toms River and really enjoy this beautiful community. We have been blessed with two magnificent children. Isabella is 6 years old and Daniel II is 2. Along the way we have survived and have fully rebuilt from Super-Storm Sandy. We are really living the Great American Dream! America is the greatest place in the world for us to build our family’s future!

Education: After graduating from high school, I attended the University of Buenos Aires from 1992-1995. My majors were Law and Business/Accounting.

Professional:By learning proper English, I was able to get a better job with a hardwood flooring company. One year later, I was promoted to manage a truck/crew of workers. In 2005, I left that company to start my own flooring business with my brother. We had great success until the financial recession of 2008-2009.

Fortunately, having always been interested in real-estate, I become a real estate investor; buying, rebuilding and selling homes in the local market area. My wife and I decided to jump into this market with both feet, so we sold our home to start our new company. We rented a small home and used our capital to begin flipping houses. We started doing one property at a time and are now managing 2-3 at the same time. We have been very fortunate and are living in our dream home. I am fully involved in all aspects of the business, including financing, budgeting, permitting, construction, marketing and sales of the properties.

Only in America can an immigrant like me build successful businesses and raise a wonderful family. I am truly blessed.

Masonic History:Over the years I have been asked by friends and family why I became a Mason. My answer is that I wanted to be associated with good people who care for their community and one another. I was Initiated, Passed, and Raised in 2008 at Medford Lodge No. 178. In 2009 I became an appointed officer, and Worshipful Master in 2013. My mission was to leave the Lodge a better one than when I began. I am currently serving as a Temple Trustee.

My business responsibilities have taken most of my time, so I never joined any of the appendant bodies. But I have come to a point in my life where I can begin to pay back the country that has been so good to me and my family. Having been blessed with two healthy children, I decided to become a Shriner and this past November I joined Crescent Temple. I joined because I want to take an active part in the wonderful charity work the Shrine does for the children of families who need more help than mine.

Statement: Soon after becoming Worshipful Master I found

that there were problems with my lodge’s finances. I took it upon myself to investigate the irregularities I discovered in the Lodge’s financial records. Using my accounting and business experience, I uncovered an ongoing 3-year misappropriation of funds totaling approximately $30,000 of my Lodge’s money.

Prior to taking action against the offender, I obtained complete restitution of these funds, thus making the lodge whole again. My lodge had entrusted me with the responsibility to resolve this misappropriation and I did not let it down.

My Brothers, I believe that with my accounting education, business experience, and work ethic I will serve you in a positive capacity as your Grand Lodge Trustee. Protecting the integrity and values of Freemasonry has been in the forefront of my service as a Master Mason.

My background in law, accounting and all facets of business management has provided me with a unique background to work in managing the finances and property of the Grand Lodge. Running a successful business in this day and age requires a thorough knowledge of the systems and procedures of money and property management.

Studying legal investigations has also taught me skills I have used to discover hidden resources and abilities within an enterprise. While not a lawyer, I work in contract preparation and negotiations on a daily basis. A successful business requires teamwork, using everyone’s best abilities to meet both present and future goals.

Our world gets more complicated every day, as do the financial problems and responsibilities facing our Grand Lodge. As your Grand Lodge Trustee, I will bring my experience and determination to benefit our fraternity.

My Brothers, I cannot do it without your support. Please remember Daniel Nemcek when you are in the voting booth and choose me as your next Grand Lodge Trustee.

I will not disappoint.


Grand Lodge

Nominees for Historic Trenton Masonic Temple Trustee (Vote for 2)

David Melville Russen, Jr.

Personal: Born: April 25, 1943 (Easter Sunday morning at sunrise) in Orange, NJ; growing up in West Orange and spending the summers in Lavallette since 1949. Currently living in Point Pleasant, NJ since 2002.

Education: University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio receiving a Bachelor Degree in Business in 1969.Monmouth University, Monmouth, New Jersey receiving a Master’s Degree in Business in 1982.

Military Service:ROTC graduate from The University of Toledo as a Distinguished Military Student, receiving a Regular Army Commission upon graduation.Assigned Trp B, 1st Sqdn, 6th Armd Cav Regt; Ft Geo. G. Meade, Md.Federalized during 1969 Washington, DC riots. Awarded: National Defense Service Medal

Professional: Life Guard, Lavallette, NJ 1962 to 1968.Gladieux/Ogden Foods 1962 to 1968 as Assistant Director of Food Services, University of Toledo, Ohio.Ogden Foods 1968 to 1970 as Cost Control Supervisor Northeast Region, USA.Toms River Board of Education, Toms River, NJ as Assistant Board Secretary for Accounting 1970 to 1984.President/CEO Mar-Jel Remodeling Inc. 1986 to present.

Masonic History:Raised Durand Lodge No. 179 - October 24, 2006Elected Worshipful Master Durand Lodge No. 179 – 2013Served as Durand Lodge No. 179 Trustee 2008 - 2010, 2014

Appointed District Ritual Instructor 17th Masonic District 2014 to present.Member Grand Lodge Education 2013 to present.Grand Lodge Meritorious Achievement Award April 5, 2012Honorary Member: Olive Branch Lodge No.16, Freehold, NJ Ocean Lodge No.89, Spring Lake, NJ Caesarea Lodge No. 64, Keyport, NJ

Masonic Affiliations:Masonic Kilties of New Jersey – Current President Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret 32nd Degree, A.A.S.R., Valley of Central Jersey, Northern Masonic JurisdictionRoyal Arch Mason, Goodwin Hiram Chapter No.1, Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of New JerseyRoyal & Select Master, Field Council No. 12, Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of the State of New JerseySir Knight, Corson Commandery No. 15, Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of the State of New JerseyOrder of Eastern Star of New Jersey 2015 to PresentDeMoley International – Honorary Legion of Honor – 201717th Masonic District Association – Secretary/Treasurer 2011 to Present.Masonic Association of Central Jersey – Secretary /Treasurer 2015 to Present

Community Service:Wreaths Across America Location Leader 2010 to Present Advisory Board 2014 to 2016 Board of Directors 2016 to PresentRutgers University Master Gardener, Ocean County 2006 to Present serving as Intern Class Mentor for the past six years, Greenhouse Team Member, Soil Ph Tester for Ocean County and Annual Plant Sale set-up/breakdown CommitteePoint Pleasant Garden Club – Past President and current member.Garden Club of New Jersey – Advisory Board 2013, 2014American Legion Post 100 – Member

Ocean County School Business Officials – Two term Past PresidentPublic Employees Retirement System of New Jersey – Two terms as At Large State Representative

Statement:My Brothers, my professional, personal, and Masonic journey through life has opened doors and presented opportunities to numerous to list in this brief statement to you and when taken in total speak volumes about a life spent in service to my fellow citizens.

My years in public education and private business have given me the knowledge and experiences necessary to serve you as a member of the Trustee Board of the Grand Lodge as well as the insights of fiscal accountability required of a Board Member.

Additionally serving on numerous Public, Private and Masonic Boards and Committees, both currently and in the past, the coordinating and supervising of construction projects and serving for 10 years as a Certified Rutgers Masters Gardener have given me skills which, I believe, will enable me to be an asset on the Board as a Trustee.

I helped develop the Planned Program Budgeting System for several New Jersey School Districts, assisted ADP, Inc. in the development of their School Boards Payroll Program are just two programs in which I held a key position as well as supervising investments of School Boards funds through both financial institutions as well as the State Cash Management Fund.

Those of you who know me, I trust, will be able to say with confidence that I can be trusted to get the job done. I will devote 100% of my time to the task at hand and will always help and support those, with whom I serve, complete every task assigned.

Our Grand Lodge By-Laws and Constitution place the fiduciary responsibility of the Grand Lodge assets in the hands of the Trustees. That responsibility, I will take very seriously and sincerely ask for your support which would allow me to serve you – My Brothers.

RW José Leon Figueroa, IIMasonic History: • Mosaic Lodge No. 194 - Raised: June 2010 - Worshipful Master: 2015 - Trustee: 2016-Present• Mosaic Blood Drive Chairman: 2013• Ridgefield Park Masonic Square Club President: 2016• Past Grand Sword Bearer: 2016-2017

Masonic Affiliations:• 3rd District Blood Drive Committee: 2011-2016

• 3rd District Blood Drive Chairman: 2013-2016• 3rd District Masters & Wardens Association Member: 2011-Present - Secretary/Treasurer: 2016-Present• North Jersey Past Masters Masonic Association - 2nd Vice President: 2017 - 1st Vice President: 2018• Masonic Scouting Council: 2012-Present• Ark of the Covenant Chapter No. 11, Royal Arch Masons: 2011-Present• Hugh de Payens Commandery No. 1, Knight Templars: 2011-Present• Masonic Kilties of New Jersey: 2016-Present• Zabud Council No. 5, Royal and Select Masters• Order of the Easter Star, Naomi Chapter #28 - Member: 2011-Present - Worthy Patron: 2017-2018• The Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles:

2012-Present

Statement: I strongly believe my professional life, friendly demeanor, and hard working ethic makes me a good candidate for Historic Trenton Masonic Temple Trustee. I’ve had almost forty years experience in the heating and cooling industry. Being a union mechanic hire for Local 274 for most of my career, I have dealt with all aspects of building maintenance and upkeep, as well as dealing with contracts and coordinating with business associates. Though I’ve only been a member of our gentle craft less than eight years, I believe it is our duty and obligation to maintain and preserve our past for the enlightenment and education of our present and future members. And there is no better foundation to build and strengthen than our Historic Trenton Temple edifice.

Nominees for Grand Lodge Trustee (Vote for 1) Nominees for Grand Lodge Trustee (Vote for 1)


Grand Lodge

RW William J. Morelli

Masonic History: Initiated, Passed, and Raised, March 19, 2005Grand Tall Cedar, Trenton Forest No. 4 - 2009Worshipful Master, Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 28 - 2011Central Valley Scottish Rite Meri-

torious Service Award - 2011

President, 19th District Masonic Association - 2012 - 2014Central Valley Scottish Rite Executive Secretary - 2013 – 2015Coroneted 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite - 2013Grand Chaplain - 2014.

Statement: My Brothers, I am running for Trustee of the Historic Trenton Masonic Temple because I believe my education, work experience, and political background give me a particular skill set which will be of value to the Board. I trained as an historian at Fordham University and Boston College, from which I was awarded, respectively, a B.A. and an M.A. in Modern American History.

After a teaching stint, I entered the world of Finance and spent the next 35 years selling and managing salespeople of investment and insurance products. From 2005 through 2010, I sat on the Bordentown Township Committee, including a stint as Mayor. I have dealt with a wide range of State oversight offices, from fire and elevator inspectors to the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. After retirement, I spent three years as Executive Secretary of the Central Valley, dealing both with building management and rental activity. I believe my background and these life experiences will provide an added dimension to the present Board which will prove beneficial as we go forward.

RW Valentin T. Basiga, Jr.

Masonic Membership: • Raised Toril Lodge No. 208, Grand Lodge of the Philippines• Lodge Membership:- Toril Lodge No. 208, Grand Lodge of the Philippines- Pyramid Lodge No. 490, Grand Lodge of New York- Secaucus Hudson

Lodge No. 72, Grand Lodge of New Jersey- Plaridel Lodge No. 302, Grand Lodge of New Jersey- Hippocrates-Renaissance Lodge No. 304, Grand Lodge of New Jersey• Shrine International Membership:

- Crescent Shrine - New Jersey- Agila Shrine - Philippines

• Royal Arch of Mason Membership- Americus Orient 138, New York

• Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite- Northern Valley of New Jersey, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction

• DeMolay International- Sanctorum Chapter, New York

Masonic Titles:• Grand Lodge of New Jersey

1. Past Grand Chaplain - 20142. Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of Washington near Grand Lodge of New Jersey3. Honorary Legion of Honor New Jersey Preceptor4. Co-Founder with RW Angelo Caprio - Hippocrates-Renaissance Lodge No. 304

• New York 1. Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of the Philippines near the Grand Lodge “ of New York 2. Worshipful Master, Pyramid Lodge No. 490• Philippines 1. Worshipful Master, Toril Lodge No. 208 2. Active member - Supreme Council Order of DeMolay, Philippines

Statement: I am interested in joining the Board of the Masonic Charity Foundation because I believe that with my line of profession right now, Department of Family Services, Aged, Blind and Disabled Unit 65 Years Old and Above at Medicaid; I will be in a very good position to help those that are in need of applying to our Masonic Home in Burlington. Thank you very much!

Nominees for Historic Trenton Masonic Temple Trustee (Vote for 2)

Nominees for Masonic Charity Foundation (Vote for 3)

RW George Rogers Bruynell, PGC

Masonic History: • Master of the Year Award ~ 21st Masonic District ~ 2005 • Trustee ~ Penns Grove ~ Excelsior Lodge No. 54 ~ 2016 - Present• Dual Member ~ Paulsboro-Swedesboro ~ Lodge No. 87 • Past Master ~

Clarksboro Lodge No. 87 ~ 2008• Dual Member ~Woodstown Lodge No.138 • Dual Member ~ Peninsula Lodge No. 99• Honorary Member ~ Williamstown Lodge No. 166

Other Masonic Afflictions:• President ~Past Masters Association of the 21st District• Member ~ Knights of Saint Andrew • Past Masters, Masters and Wardens Association of South Jersey• Past Secretary ~ Glassboro Forest No. 1, Tall Cedars of Lebanon• Member ~ Ancient Egyptian Order of Scoots, New Jersey Pyramid No. 2• Member and Past Shepherd ~ Crescent Shrine

Temple, AAONMS• Member ~ Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, NMJ• Member ~ Cyrene Commandery No. 7, Knights Templar• Member ~ Van Hook Council No. 8, Royal and Select Masons• Member ~ Joppa Chapter No. 53, Royal Arch Masons• Member ~ Kames Gile Council No. 427, Allied Masonic Degrees• Charter Member ~ Gordon A. McBride Priory, Order of Knighthood• Chapter Dad ~ Franklin W. Horner, Chapter Order of DeMolay• Senior DeMolay ~ Penns Grove Chapter Order of DeMolay

Grand Lodge:• Right Worshipful Past Grand Chaplain 2015• Committees:

~ Special Olympics ~ 2017- 2018 ~ Past Member of Masonic CHIP’s Program

Community Service:• Past Manager ~ Pennsville Little League• Past Member ~ Pennsville Rotary Club• Penns Grove - Excelsior Red Cross Blood Drive Committee Member

Professional Service Groups:• Mortgage Bankers Association of PA• Mortgage Brokers Association of PA

Statement: My reason for running for a Masonic Charity Foundation Trustee is very simple; I would like to give back to the Fraternity that has given my family and myself so much for so many years.

As you review my Masonic History you can’t help but to notice that I have spent a large portion of my life working in and about the quarries of Free Masonry. I believe that the Masonic way of life has been an important part of my daily life.

My Mother had the good fortune to have spent the last years of her life as a resident in our Masonic Home where she had received the same excellent care that we give to all of our residents. The same care that won the Best of Burlington County award for Rest Homes award could give.

I started my professional career as a Realtor working for a successful local family business where I took over after the passing of my Uncle.While there I opened several entities: appraisal validation; property management; title abstract and insurance; and the director of a real estate licensing school.

After some time, I moved into the mortgage finance business in several different roles throughout the years. Starting as a street loan officer calling on Realtors, Attorney’s, CPA’s, and Builders. Working


Nominees for Masonic Charity Foundation (Vote for 3)Grand Lodge

RW Brian K. Hartel, Sr.

Personal: Married to my teen sweetheart Lynne for 33 years. We reside in Hopewell, NJ where I was born and raised. We have two children Brian Jr., PM of Trenton Cyrus Lodge No.5 and Jennifer. We have four wonderful grandchildren.

Education: Graduate of Hopewell Valley Regional High School 1982Graduate of Lincoln Technical Institute with an Associate Degree 1984Advanced Studies at Delaware Valley College, Rutgers University, Thomas Jefferson College and NJ Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC).

Professional: Manager for Public Service Electric & Gas for 32 years in Delivery Projects and Construction Vegetation Management. My responsibilities include the development and implementation of PSE&G’s vegetation management plan for over 14,000 miles of overhead electric distribution and transmission lines. My position requires technical experience with Federal and State regulatory requirements, preparing and managing a 70-million-dollar annual portfolio, review and analysis of financial statements, and forecasting future projections. Daily operations involve managing 450 PSE&G and contractor line clearance personal throughout the state. Managing large scale projects across the state has given me experience

dealing with federal, state, and municipal agencies, operations process improvement, and strategic planning for development and growth.

In addition, for over 25 years I have owned and operated two private businesses. Hartel Timber Services, LLC a NJ Licensed tree care contracting company specializing in large tree removal utilizing specialized equipment and cranes. And Big Bear Properties, LLC, a real estate management and development company. The success of each business has provided experience with marketing and public relations.

Masonic History:• Trenton Cyrus Lodge No. 5 Worshipful Master 2014 Lodge Trustee continuous service since 2009• Past Grand Chaplain• District Deputy Grand Master Fifteenth Masonic District

Masonic Affiliations:• Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Central New Jersey 32° Meritorious Service Award Finance Committee Chairman Membership Committee Executive Council Past Presiding Officer Lodge of Perfection Past Valley Trustee• Member Board of Governors Verdon R. Skipper Children Dyslexia Center• A.A.N.O.M.S - Crescent Shrine• Tall Cedars of Lebanon – Trenton Forest No.4• York Rite Gebal Council No.3 Three Times Three Chapter No. 5 Crusade Commandery No. 23• Society Saints John • Central Jersey Masonic Association founding

member

Grand Lodge Committees:• Constitution and Laws Committee • Trial of Charges Committee • Grand Lodge Arrangements Committee

Statement:My Brothers, I am seeking the position of Masonic Charity Foundation Trustee in order that I may give back by dedicating and devoting some of my professional skills and experience to the Masonic Charity Foundation. The foundation is an entity of the greatest fraternity known to man which I hold close to my heart and proudly serve as District Deputy Grand Master.

Our Masonic Charity Foundation is a broad and diverse organization, one which comprises not just the Masonic Home and operations, but also the future development and growth of the corporation. Priorities include maintaining quality care for our residents, and the development of our staff, facilities, and financial portfolio.

My 32 plus years of professional and business background have provided me with broad and diverse skillsets as a leader. I have always worked hard and been hands on with my endeavors. I believe one must be truly engaged with their work.

Brethren I look forward to being engaged as an active member of the board. To serve and work for our foundation, our residents and staff, and most of all our great fraternity with the utmost dedication and devotion. I have the flexible schedule and time to serve the Masonic Charity Foundation and attend the committee meetings. I therefore ask for your support and your vote for Masonic Charity Foundation Trustee at our Grand Lodge Communication in April.

Br. Keith Herman

Career Experience: I began my financial services career in 1983 as President of Aabco Trading, Inc. and as an Independent Trader on the Philadelphia Stock Exchange (PHLX). My 21-year career with PHLX included ownership of multiple

“seats” with rights to trade equities, options and

currencies. I weathered many financial ups and downs including the Crash of ’87, the roar of the 90’s, and the 2000-2001 meltdowns. From 2004 to 2013, I served as Investment Counsel for Financial Planning Associates LLC; was a Registered Principal with J.P. Turner & Company from 2013 to 2015 and now employed as a Registered Principal for Haddon Financial Solutions affiliated with United Planners. Prior to my career in the Financial Services industry I worked in Transportation as a Terminal Manager.

Educational Background:I am an alumnus of both the University of Tennessee and Rutgers University and later earned a Certified Financial Planning Certificate through Fairleigh

Dickinson. Additional education included earning the CWS® and AIF® designations as well as Series 7 (General Securities), 66 (Registered Investment Advisor Representative and Blue Sky), 24 (General Securities Principal), and 4 (Registered Option Principal), securities registrations as well as Life and Health Insurance licenses for the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida.

Past and Current Affiliations:I was appointed to Philadelphia Stock Exchange Disciplinary Review Committee and was one of approximately 50 Independent Traders registered on all National Exchanges. I served on the Cherry Hill Board of Education (BOE) including two terms as President. In that role I led the Board to


RW George Rogers Bruynell, PGC for several national fortunes 100 companies I worked my way into management where I later became the Northeastern Regional Vice President overseeing 17 states from Maine down to the Carolinas and out to Michigan.

Shortly after the crash in the business in 2007 I returned to college where I finish my education at

Wilmington University where I earned a BS degree in Marketing, also attended Delaware Law School division of Widener University where I earned a Paralegal Certificate in Litigation.

After I graduated I moved into the role of Senior (FHA) Underwriter where as a daily part of my role I review property, assets, personal income and financial statements for credit approval. I have personally conducted over 1,000 real estate closings

working intimately with several title companies, appraisers, realtors, attorneys and judges are a daily function.

If elected I will use my years of experience in the business world as well as my family’s personal history as a resident of the Masonic Home to contribute as a member of the Masonic Charity Foundation.


Grand LodgeNominees for Masonic Charity Foundation (Vote for 3)


Br. Keith Hermanachieve Registered Board Certification through continuing education. I served as Secretary of Camden County School Boards Association and was selected to the Legislative Committee representing Camden County by the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA). I was appointed by the NJSBA President to serve as Director of the NJSBA Insurance Group, and through additional continuing education and testing, earned the designation of Master Board Member. I am a past Chairman of the Cherry Hill Education Foundation, served an appointment as a public member of attorney regulatory system to the local District Fee Arbitration Committee for Office of Attorney Ethics of Supreme Court of New Jersey from September 1, 2011 - January 31, 2014.

Masonic History and Affiliations:Current: Grand Marshal 2017; Masonic Charity Foundation Trustee 2013 to present currently serving as Treasurer and Vice President; member of the Grand Lodge Education and Leadership Committees

Past Masonic History: Past Grand Chaplain; WM Rising Sun Lodge No. 15 2011; Past Chairman Rising Sun Lodge Board of Trustees; Past President South Jersey Past Masters and Wardens, Past Chairman Masonic Education Committee; Past member of

Masonic Motivational and Renewal Committee, Past member of Masonic Awareness Committee

Memberships; Rising Lodge 15, Merchantville Lodge 119, Honorary Member USS NJ Lodge 62; Honorary Member Lazarus Lodge 303, A.A.S.R. Valley of Southern NJ

Statement:Brethren,It has always been my belief since joining the fraternity that traveling was not only a right but an obligation. I have been travelling on multiple paths since I have entered the fraternity. These paths include family, professional and masonic and all tend to intertwine as the overlapping skill sets have been applied to succeed on each path.

My family path includes 37 years of marriage to Bonnie and 3 children and one grandchild. During the time I have been a Mason I have seen my children graduate college and build successful careers. My two daughters have gotten married and we now have one grandchild. Our grandson has provided my wife with another part time job which she adores and loves going to work. My son has decided to join Masonry and will become a Mason in Virginia where he currently resides.

Professionally my business has grown and has expanded from 2 employees to 6 employees and serves individual and business clients in 20 states.

The Masonic path I want to share with you and continue the journey I embarked on in 2013 becoming a member of the Masonic Charity Foundation. When I arrived, the path was taking a new fork in the road by employing a new management group that was Masonically related, shared our values and had demonstrated success in their past endeavors.

After leaving the turn in the path with our new management group and beginning down the path obstacles were uncovered, dealt with, the road smoothed and the path cleared. However, once the path was cleared it showed that were coming to a dead end unless we found a way to extend the path into the future.

As part of the Board I have been able to contribute to this extension by utilizing my skill sets with my Brethren, redefine the path through additional building blocks that include redeploying current assets for greater operational efficiencies, utilizing capital to expand and implement new independent personal living spaces and contributing to a Board which makes empirical decisions while at the same time maintaining its Masonic roots.

This path is not yet fully built; however, the plans are drawn by the architect and with your support I hope to remain one of the workmen to bring this to fruition for all my brothers.

Brian K. Mandel

Personal: Age 58. Born in Bayside, NY. Married to Deborah 28 years. Resident of Morris Township 23 years. Two sons, Matthew and Andrew, both currently attending Georgia Tech.

Education: Bachelor in Arts in Economics from City Univer-sity of New York-Queens College in 1981. MBA in International Finance from St. John’s University in 1993.

Professional: For the past 14 years, I have been the principal officer of an independent financial consulting firm advising institutions with a focus on banking and financial services by leveraging my knowledge and extensive experience in portfolio, asset, and risk management. In addition, I was an outside director elected to position of Chairman of the Board for Recon Capital Partners, ETF Trust Series. Prior to that, I was a Director at American Capital Access focusing on long range strategic planning, business growth and risk management while structuring and managing over $1 billion in securitized transactions. As a Deal Manager for the CIT Group, my transactions generated the highest Return on Assets (ROA) of all operating

units in the company for 4 consecutive years. Growth was attained both organically and through acquisitions. Prior experience includes working for rating agency Duff & Phelps determining credit levels, working with investment bankers, and publishing my own credit research.

Masonic History:• Raised in Cincinnati Lodge No. 3, Morristown in 2010• Worshipful Master (Cincinnati LodgeNo. 3): 2016 and 2017• President of the 11th District Masters & Wardens, Secretaries and Past Masters Association: 2017• Dual Member of Acacia Lodge No. 20, Dover

Masonic Affiliations:• Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (Valley of Northern NJ) 2017• North Jersey Past Masters Association

Statement:Nearly a decade ago, leadership of the Masonic Charity Foundation recognized and voiced concerns about the need to operate more like a business with charitable goals rather than a charity with a few business concerns. The trustees elected brought that approach to the Board resulting in greater financial stability and better modes of governance.

The MCF Board’s composition requires financial, medical, and legal expertise. Given the uncertain environment we face with market volatility and regulatory oversight, the need for experienced and effective Board management is greater

than ever.

I am running for election to the Board as a Masonic

Charity Foundation Trustee. I possess over 25

years of financial and management expertise

that I will bring to the MCF Board to achieve

their objectives. My professional experience and

track record of successful business growth and

development, investment, long range strategic

planning, and ability to understand regulatory

and compliance environments will complement

the existing Board skills and talents.

As of the 2016 MCF Annual Report, the fiduciaries

of the MCF Board oversaw a $32 million operating

budget which was responsible for 1,152 residents

and employees, both full and part-time across

apartment and cottage living, personal and

long-term care, rehabilitation and hospice care

and support.

While financial stability and more effective quality

healthcare have improved, there is still more to

be done. To continue the mission of serving

our great fraternity and the community at large,

we need to continue to add financial and

management skills to the Board.

I ask for your votes in 2018 to allow me to join

these committed Board members of the Masonic

Charity Foundation as a Trustee and apply my

financial background and experience to achieve

the goals of this truly worthwhile and important

organization.


RW Leonard Vander Horn

Personal: I am born and raised in New Jersey. I currently reside in Succasunna with my wife Brenda of 33 years. We have four children, three sons who are Senior DeMolays and my daughter who is a majority Rainbow Girl.

Education: • BS Biochemistry - Fairleigh Dickinson University 1984• BS Physician Assistant – Rutgers University / University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ 1992 o Departmental Honors• MS Physician Assistant – University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ 1999• MBA Healthcare Management – Quinnipiac University 2016 o Beta Gamma Sigma – Business Honor Society

Professional: • Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant 25 years – Morristown Medical Center• Owner and CEO of SureAssist LLC• Cardiac Surgical Unit Advanced Life Support Instructor• Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants• Fellow of the Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery• Fellow of the New Jersey State Society of Physician Assistants• Retired Basic and Advance Cardiac Life Support Instructor• Retired Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic• Notary Public of New Jersey

DeMolay:• Senior DeMolay of Clifton Chapter – 1977• Past Master Councilor Clifton Chapter – 1979• Past State Master Councilor of NJ – 1982• Chevalier• Active Legion of Honor o Past Commander NJ Legion of Honor Preceptory - 2000 o Secretary NJ LOH • Cross of Honor• NJ DeMolay Alumni Association o Past State President – 1998• Life Member, DeMolay International Alumni Association• Past Executive Officer NJ – 2004-2007• Active Member of DeMolay International Supreme Council• Past Grand Senior Deacon – DeMolay International• Chairman DeMolay International Nominating Committee• Past Chairman DeMolay International Leadership Training Conference Committee

•Past Director Pennsylvania DeMolay Leadership Conference•President, NJ DeMolay Permanent Fund•Executive Secretary NJ DeMolay

Masonic:• Clifton Lodge No. 203 o Entered: 1/27/83 o Passed: 2/24/83 o Raised: 3/24/83 o Worshipful Master 1997• Acacia Lodge No. 20 Dual Member• Hippocrates Lodge No. 304 Dual Member•Charter Member Jacques DeMolay Lodge No. 318 o Charter WM 2007• North Jersey Past Master’s Association• Past Grand Tyler 1998• Recipient Daniel Coxe Medal 2006• Secretary to the Grand Master 2018• Society of Secretaries to the Grand Master – Co-Founder 2016• Grand Lodge Committees o Youth Committee – 1995-2002, Past Chairman 1998 o Renewal Committee – 1995-2006 o Strategic Planning Committee – 2002-2003 o Masonic Leadership Conference – Co-Chairman 2001, 2014, 2015 o Masonic Leadership Conference Staff – 2002, 2005• Masonic Charity Foundation of NJ o Trustee 2015-2018 • Human Resources Committee – 2015-2017 • Admission, Resident and Charity Services Committee – 2015-2018 • Retirement Plan Trustee – 2017-2018 • Hospice Professional Advisory Committee – Assist. Chair 2017-2018 • Finance Committee – Assist. Chair 2017-2018• Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite o Valley of Northern NJ o Past Most Wise Master - 2000 o Past Commander in Chief – 2006 o Meritorious Service Award – 2004 o MSA Society of NJ - 2013 o Coroneted 33 Degree – 2005 o Past President 33 Degree Society of NJ - 2014 o Past Trustee, Board of Governor’s Tenafly Learning Center 2000-2003 o Chairman Officer Selection Committee, Valley of Northern NJ o NJ Council of Deliberation • Chairman Credentials Committee • Speaker’s Bureau • Past Chairman, Education Committee • Past Chairman, Membership Committee

• Corinthian Chapter No. 57, Royal Arch Masons• St. Andrew’s Council No. 18, Royal and Select Masters o Grand Council Royal and Select Masters Youth Leader Award• Trinity Commandery No.1, Knights Templar• Salaam Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine

o Salaam Temple Past Master’s Club

• St. Joseph Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine

o Past Puissant Sovereign – 2013

o Recorder

• Garden State York Rite College

• New Jersey College Societas Rosicruciana In

Civitatibus Foederatis

• Royal Order of Scotland

• Veritas Court No. 112, Masonic Order of

Athelstan, Charter Member

• Northern New Jersey Council No. 10, Knight

Masons

• Society of Sts. John

• Ancient Egyptian Order of the Sciots

• Mystic Order of the Veiled Prophets of the

Enchanted Realm

• Paterson Valley Forest No. 33, Tall Cedars of

Lebanon

• Peace Chapter No. 98, Order of the Eastern Star

• Grand Cross of Color, International Order of

Rainbow for Girls

Statement:

I am a proud member of the Masonic family for

over 40 years and have enjoyed the opportunity

to serve our gentle Craft in various capacities.

Most recently in serving the Residents of our

Masonic Home in the capacity of Trustee for the

Masonic Charity Foundation of NJ, I have learned

a great deal about the dynamic world in which

we operate our Home. My academic and

professional background in both clinical medicine

and business healthcare management are an

asset to serving our Board. With your vote of

confidence, I wish to apply the past three years

of experience as a Trustee and continue my

service to the Residents of the Home and to all

those who benefit from the good works of our

Charity Foundation. Thank you for taking the time

to review my statement and record.

Nominees for Masonic Charity Foundation (Vote for 3)Grand Lodge


TITLE THREE, ARTICLE II, SECTION 2, PART 1 - GRAND LODGE OFFICERS AND MEMBERSHIPCurrent Legislation: Authorized Officers of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge shall consist of the following officers and members, to wit:Most Worshipful Grand MasterRight Worshipful Deputy Grand MasterRight Worshipful Senior Grand WardenRight Worshipful Junior Grand WardenRight Worshipful Grand TreasurerRight Worshipful Grand SecretaryRight Worshipful Grand Lodge TrusteesRight Worshipful Grand ChaplainsRight Worshipful Grand InstructorRight Worshipful Grand OratorRight Worshipful District Deputy Grand MastersRight Worshipful District Ritual InstructorsRight Worshipful Senior Grand DeaconRight Worshipful Junior Grand DeaconRight Worshipful Grand MarshalRight Worshipful Senior Grand StewardRight Worshipful Junior Grand StewardRight Worshipful Grand Sword BearerRight Worshipful Grand PursuivantRight Worshipful Grand HistorianRight Worshipful Grand OrganistRight Worshipful Grand SoloistRight Worshipful Grand TylerRight Worshipful Grand SoloistRight Worshipful Grand TylerRight Worshipful Secretary to the Grand Master

Proposed Legislation: Authorized Officers of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge shall consist of the following officers and members, to wit: Most Worshipful Grand MasterRight Worshipful Deputy Grand MasterRight Worshipful Senior Grand WardenRight Worshipful Junior Grand WardenRight Worshipful Grand TreasurerRight Worshipful Grand SecretaryRight Worshipful Grand Lodge TrusteesRight Worshipful Grand ChaplainsRight Worshipful Grand InstructorRight Worshipful Grand OratorRight Worshipful District Deputy Grand MastersRight Worshipful District Ritual InstructorsRight Worshipful Senior Grand DeaconRight Worshipful Junior Grand DeaconRight Worshipful Grand MarshalRight Worshipful Senior Grand StewardRight Worshipful Junior Grand StewardRight Worshipful Grand Sword BearerRight Worshipful Grand Pursuivant Right Worshipful Grand Historian

Right Worshipful Grand MusicianRight Worshipful Aide to the Grand Master

Interpretive Statement: The appointment title of the Right Worshipful Grand Organist needs to be changed to Right Worshipful Grand Musician to encompass and reflect the many other musical instruments used. In addition, add new officer, Right Worshipful Aide to the Grand Master

Roger Quintana, PM, Blue Stone Mystic Tie Malta Doric Lodge No. 35

TITLE THREE, ARTICLE II, SECTION 2, PART 2Current Legislation: Qualifications of Grand Lodge Officers. No brother who is not a Past Master of a Lodge in this jurisdiction shall be eligible to any office in the Grand Lodge, except for the Grand Organist or Grand Chaplain who is a member of the clergy of any faith. Any Past Grand Lodge officer who is not a Past Master shall be entitled to the title of Right Worshipful but shall not be entitled to where the apron of a Past Grand Lodge officer or Past Master, nor to exercise any of the other rights and privileges of a Past Master.

Proposed Legislation: Qualifications of Grand Lodge Officers. No brother who is not a Past Master of a Lodge in this jurisdiction shall be eligible to any office in the Grand Lodge, except for the Grand Organist, Aide to the Grand Master, or Grand Chaplain who is a member of the clergy of any faith. Any Past Grand Lodge officer who is not a Past Master shall be entitled to the title of Right Worshipful but shall not be entitled to where the apron of a Past Grand Lodge officer or Past Master nor to exercise any of the other rights and privileges of a Past Master.

Interpretive Statement: Over the course of the last decade, and even beyond that, numerous Grand Masters have encountered the need of brothers who assisted the Grand Master in his schedule, appearances, and activities, the description of which duties are beyond the roles of the currently listed officers. By way of edicts, Grand Masters have appointed brothers to the role of aid to the Grand Master. The roles served by such brethren have become, in fact, integral to the smooth operation of the grandmasters schedule. This legislation, a proposed amendment to the Constitution, will legally create what has become a de facto position, and will avoid the necessity of repetitive edicts to fill this role in the future.

The change of name from Right Worshipful Grand Organist to Right Worship Grand Musician is at the request of the Grand Lodge musicians, to reflect the reality that the musicians accompany the soloists with numerous musical instruments other than or in addition to an organ. They have requested this name change to more appropriately describe their actual role..

Roger B. Quintana, PM, Bluestone mystic tie Malta Doric Lodge No. 35Gregory J Scott, PM, Peninsula Lodge No. 99

230th Annual Communication LegislationGrand Lodge



Robert Monacelli, PM, Azure Masada Lodge No. 22Kevin F Colquhoun, PM Cincinnati Lodge No. 3Bruce E. Gant, Loyalty Lodge, No. 33

TITLE FOUR, ARTICLE IX, SECTION 9, PART 1 (A) ANNUAL DUES.Current Legislation: (a) In general. When a member of a Lodge pays his dues in accordance with the by-laws of the Lodge, a blue card receipt should issue to him immediately. In case of a dual membership, it should so state. When dues are paid by a newly raised Master Mason who has not yet passed at the required examination, the signature portion of the blue card shall be cut there from, and the words “Newly Raised Mason” shall be written across the front of the card, and when a Brother passes of the required examination on the Master Mason degree and the requirements as outlined in Title Two, Article IX, Section 1, Part 19, a regular currently dated blue card shall be issued showing the date to which dues were last paid. A Lodge may remit the dues of members. This refers to yearly action by the Lodge and only past due obligations may be so remitted.

Proposed Legislation: (a) In general. When a member of a Lodge has paid his dues in accordance with the by-laws of the Lodge, the permanent blue plastic membership card should issue to him if not already issued. If the permanent blue plastic membership card has previously been issued to that member, the card shall be updated electronically to reflect the current status of his dues. In case of dual membership, blue paper membership cards shall be issued in accordance with Title Four, Article IX, Section 3, Part 5 (a). When dues are paid by a newly raised Master Mason who has not yet passed the required examination the signature portion of a paper blue card shall be cut therefrom, and the words “Newly Raised Mason” shall be written across the front of the card, and when a Brother passes the required examination on the Master Mason degree and the requirements as outline in Title Two, Article IX, Section 1, Part 19, a regulation permanent blue plastic membership card shall be issued. A Lodge may remit the dues of members. This refers to yearly action by the Lodge and only past due obligations may be so remitted.

Interpretive Statement: As noted in regard to the legislation relating to the permanent plastic blue cards, the interrelationship of various sections of the Grand Lodge Constitution and Laws requires that, upon the adoption of certain legislation, other sections may also need to be amended. As noted above, in regard to Title Four, Article IX, Section 6, Part 5 (b), this section is another one of those. This proposal is to amend this section to conform to the new regulation permanent blue plastic cards, while retaining the blue paper cards for dual members, and members who have not yet passed the required examination

on the Master Mason degree, and other requirements.

John S. Ryan, Past Master, Livingston Lodge No. 11

TITLE FOUR, ARTICLE IX, SECTION 3, Part 5(a)Current Legislation: (a) Regulation cards: all membership cards, whether for regular, honorary or life membership shall be confined to the regulation blue membership cards.

Proposed Legislation: (a) Regulation Cards. All membership cards for the Lodge of a record of each regular member shall be confined to the permanent blue plastic membership card. Said card shall be issued by the Grand Lodge, and it shall attest to the membership of, and regularity of the Lodge to which the brother is a member. It need not be signed by the brother to whom it is issued. The current status of the brother’s membership, when visiting another Lodge, may be verified by the Tyler, electronically.

Membership cards for a dual or honorary members shall continue to be provided through the use of the current regulation blue paper card. Those cards shall continue to be issued in accordance with the provisions of Title Four, Article XI, Section 6, Part 5(b).

Interpretive Statement: The Grand Lodge office has been moving forward with an agreement to partner with Circumscribe, LLC, a provider of Internet-based website application solutions for membership management services, communication services and other related services. Part of that partnership will include streamlining of membership cards for all regular members, with the introduction of a new permanent membership card (similar to Scottish Rite member cards) for each member’s Lodge of record, replacing the currently used regulation annual blue paper membership card. Dual and honorary members shall also continue to receive the blue paper cards for those at additional memberships.

The permanent cards will be updated electronically in the Grand Lodge and Circumscribe, LLC databases, which can be accessed by Lodge secretaries, in order to verify the current status of any visiting brother. The use of the new cards will expedite and facilitate the handling of membership information, as well as reduce the costs related to the creation and issuance of the annual paper dues cards. The permanent cards shall continue to be “blue cards”.


TITLE FOUR, ARTICLE IX, SECTION 6, Part 5(b)Current Legislation: (b) Contents of Dues Card. The presentation of a card certifying as to the good and a regular standing of a brother, giving the date up to which his dues have been paid; signed by the Secretary under the seal of the Lodge; bearing the brother’s signature, written by himself; with





the certificate of the Grand Secretary and the seal of the Grand Lodge, attesting the regulatory of the Lodge issuing it, will be required of a visitor, unless he be vouched for.

Proposed Legislation: (b) Contents of Dues Card. The presentation of the permanent regulation dues card, certifying as to the good and regular standing of a brother, including the currency of his dues payment, issued by the Grand Lodge, attesting the regularity of the Lodge in which the brother is a regular member of record, will be required of a visitor unless he be vouched for.

Any brother presenting a blue paper card, relating to dual or honorary membership, shall present such card attesting to such status, signed by the Secretary under the seal of the Lodge, bearing the brother’s signature, written by himself; with the certificate of the Grand Secretary, and seal of the Grand Lodge, attesting the regularity of the Lodge issuing it, will be required of a visitor unless he be vouched for.

Interpretive Statement: The inter-relationship of the various sections of the Grand Lodge Constitution and Laws requires that upon the adoption of a certain legislation, other sections may also need to be amended. This is such a section. This proposal is to amend this section to conform, in the event that the proposed amendment to Title Four, Article IX, Section 3, Part 5(a), is approved.


TITLE FOUR, ARTICLE V, SECTION 1, Part 1 - Grand Lodge Permanent Fund.Current Legislation:Section 1. Establishment, Purpose and DonationsPart 1. Establishment. The Grand Lodge shall set up on its books and keep at all times a permanent fund into which shall be placed all funds received as gifts, devises, and/or endowments. Said fund shall be a permanent fund forever, to be invested, and only the income thereof shall be expanded (sic).Part 2. Permanent Fund Members. (Numbering to change without any change in wording.)Part 3. Grand Secretary’s Record. (Numbering to change without any change in wording.)

Proposed Legislation: Section 1. Establishment, Purpose and Management.Part 1. Establishment. The Grand Lodge shall set up on its books and keep at all times a permanent fund into which shall be placed all funds received as gifts, devises, and/or endowments designated by the donor as being for investment in the permanent fund and such other monies as the Grand Lodge Trustees determine. Part 2. Purpose. The purpose of the permanent fund shall be to generate an investment return that shall provide financial

revenue to offset costs of Grand Lodge on an ongoing, long-term basis.Part 3. Responsibility and Standard of Care. The Grand Lodge Trustees shall at all times manage the investments, measure the results, and distribute the fund’s earnings in a manner consistent with the requirements of New Jersey law governing the investment of institutional funds and will discharge their duties in good faith and with that degree of diligence, care, and skill which ordinary, prudent persons would exercise under similar circumstances in like positions.

Section 2. Permanent Fund Donations and Donation RecordsPart 1. Permanent Fund Members. (This section shall contain the wording currently in Section 1, Part 2 without modification.)Part 2. Grand Secretary’s Record. (This section shall contain the wording currently in Section 1, Part 3 without modification).

Interpretive Statement: This is a housekeeping change to assure the investment funds overseen by the Grand Lodge Trustees are managed in the manner required by state law governing the investment of institutional funds. The permanent fund was created in 1984 to build and investment that would provide a continuing stream of income to Grand Lodge, and thereby reduce the amount that members have to pay in assessments. Wording of that by-law reflected New Jersey law governing institutional fund investments at that time, which was based on English trust law. New Jersey law in this regard has since been replaced twice, most recently in 2009. This change in the Masonic By-Law mandates the Grand Lodge Trustees manage the investments under their responsibility in a prudent manner as fiduciaries and do so in a manner consistent with New Jersey law as it now stands or as it might change in the future.

Glenn T. Visscher, PM, Cincinnati Lodge No. 3H. Wayland Pack, PM, Clarksboro Lodge No. 87George A. Olsen, PM, Genesis Lodge No. 88Neal A. McCarthy, PM, Acacia Lodge No. 20Brian H. Blades, PM, Philo Lodge No. 243

Income to Grand Lodge, and thereby reduce the amount that members have to pay in assessments. Wording of that bylaw reflected New Jersey law governing institutional fund investments at that time, which was based on English trust law. New Jersey law in this regard has since been replaced twice, most recently in 2009. This change in the Masonic By-law mandates the Grand Lodge Trustees manage the investments under their responsibility in a prudent manner as fiduciaries and do so in a manner consistent with New Jersey law as it now stands or as it might change in the future.

Glenn T. Visscher, PM, Cincinnati Lodge No. 3H. Wayland Pack, PM, Clarksboro Lodge No. 87George A. Olsen, PM, Genesis Lodge No. 88Neal A. McCarthy, PM, Acacia Lodge No. 20Brian H. Blades, PM, Philo Lodge No. 243




TITLE FOUR, ARTICLE VII, SECTION 5, Part 1(a)Current Legislation: Time for Election and Reporting. The election of officers shall be held by the several lodges under this jurisdiction at the annual meeting of the lodge, which shall be held not later than the Feast of St. John the Evangelist (December 27). The Secretary of each lodge shall, within one week after such election, report in writing to the Grand Master and Grand Secretary the names of the Master, Wardens and Secretary elected, with their post-office addresses.

Proposed Legislation: : Time for Election and Reporting. The election of officers shall be held by the several lodges under this jurisdiction at the annual meeting of the lodge, which shall be the first regular communication in the month of March. The Secretary of each lodge shall, within one week after such election, report in writing to the Grand Master and Grand Secretary the names of the Master, Wardens and Secretary elected, with their post-office addresses as well as their e-mail addresses.

MW Glenn R. Trautmann, Past Master Acacia Lodge No. 20

TITLE FOUR, ARTICLE VII, SECTION 5, Part 1(b)Current Legislation: November Elections. The Annual Election and Qualification may be held at the last regular communication in November providing the Lodge By-Laws so state.

Proposed Legislation:February Elections. The Annual Election and Qualification may be held at the last regular communication in February providing the lodge By-Laws so state.


TITLE FOUR, ARTICLE VII, SECTION 5, Part 8(b)Current Legislation: Time of Installation. The Annual Installation of officers shall be held on or before December 27th. If the warrant of a lodge requires the installation of the officers to take place “on or near St. John’s Day,” such installation, to comply with the warrant, should be not later than the first regular communication succeeding St. John’s Day.

Proposed Legislation: : Time of Installation. The Annual Installation of officers shall be held in the month of March.


TITLE FIVE, GENERAL REGULATIONSCurrent Legislation: 15. The election of officers shall be held by the several lodges under this jurisdiction at the regular communication to be held on or immediately preceding the Feast of St. John the Evangelist (December 27th), and in case such communication shall happen on the 24th or 25th of December, then such election shall be held at the regular communication immediately preceding such date; and the Secretary of such lodge shall, within one week after such election, report in writing to the

Grand Master and Grand Secretary the names of the Master, Wardens and Secretary elected, with their post-office address.

Proposed Legislation: : 15. The election of officers shall be held by the several lodges under this jurisdiction at the first regular communication in the month of March and the Secretary of such lodge shall, within one week after such election, report in writing to the Grand Master and Grand Secretary the names of the Master, Wardens and Secretary elected, with their post-office address as well as their e-mail address.


TITLE FOUR, ARTICLE VII, SECTION 9, Part 1(d)Current Legislation:Filing Dates. The annual reports of fiduciary officers of lodges shall be filed with the office of the Grand Secretary on or before February 15 of each year.

Proposed Legislation: Filing Dates. The Fiscal Year for all constituent Lodges shall run from April 1st to March 31st. The annual reports of fiduciary officers of lodges shall be filed with the office of the Grand Secretary on or before May 15 of each year.


TITLE FOUR, ARTICLE VII, SECTION 9, Part 1(g)Current Legislation:Lodge Annual Return. Each lodge shall by February 1st of each year, submit on the prescribed form the names of those have become members since the last return; the dates of initiations, affiliations and rejections of candidates; the birthplace, age and occupations of candidates initiated or admitted during the year; the deaths, demits, suspensions, expulsions and reinstatements of members, and its usual time and place of meetings.

Proposed Legislation: Lodge Annual Return. Each lodge shall by May 1st of each year, submit on the prescribed form the names of those who have become members since the last return; the dates of initiations, affiliations and rejections of candidates; the birthplace, age and occupations of candidates initiated or admitted during the year; the deaths, demits, suspensions, expulsions and reinstatements of members, and its usual time and place of meetings.


NEW SECTION: TITLE FOUR, ARTICLE VII, SECTION 5, Part 11Implementation of March Elections and Installations(a) The officers elected and appointed and then Installed in December of 2018 shall serve in that capacity until March of 2020.(b) The Grand Secretary will file with the IRS notification that we intend to change the fiscal year for the constituent lodges.




(c) The lodge Secretary shall file with the Grand Secretary a 3 month (January 1, 2020-March 31, 2020) fiduciary report in May of 2020. The Annual Return which would normally be filed in January of 2020 would not be filed until April of 2020.(d) Lodge By-Laws will reflect the change of the dates of the Annual Meeting and Installation without need of approval of the Grand Lodge. If a lodge holds two regular communications in March then the first March communication will be deemed the Annual Meeting of the lodge and will be the date on which elections are held. If a Lodge currently holds its elections in November then they will now hold the annual election of officers in February.(e) This implementation section is self-defeating and will be removed from the Constitution and Laws following the close of the annual communication in April of 2021.


Purpose: The purpose of the foregoing pieces of legislation is to simply align the Lodge year with the Grand Lodge year. There are multiple advantages to implementing this change. Currently when a Worshipful Master and the Brethren of his lodge start out a new Masonic Year on January 1st they must follow the edicts and plans of the Grand Master. In April we then elect a new Grand Master who comes in with this own plans and edicts that must be followed even if it completely changes the plans a lodge has in place.

By moving the Installations out of December, they will no longer conflict with Christmas and Hanukkah. It will allow the Brethren to spend quality time with their loved ones during the holiday season.

A few years ago when this legislation was first brought to the floor, the argument that defeated its passage was that the Grand Lodge should change the dates of its Annual Communication to December to coincide with the Annual Communications of the constituent Lodges. The reality is each year several installations must be rescheduled due to inclement weather in December. The Grand Lodge budgets approximately $135,000.00 for the Annual Communication. If a winter storm disrupted the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge we would still be paying for all the rooms, dinners, meeting rooms and other guaranteed amenities we are under contract for with the Atlantic City Hotel.

Finally, who among you really wants to take 3 more days in December and go to Atlantic City when you could spend that time with your family?


TITLE FOUR, ARTICLE IV, SECTION 5, Part 17 - Committee on Strategic Planning.Current Legislation: A committee on strategic planning shall focus on analysis, continuity and program implementation addressing all

aspects of the Grand Lodge, and recommend actions or changes to the Grand Master designed to preserve the future of the craft. The scope of the committee to include a minimum of five year projected period. The responsibilities shall be accomplished by special meetings as needed, call the by the Chairman. Appointments to the nine (9) member committee shall be as follows: the incoming Grand Master (2009) shall appoint three (3) committee members for a term of three (3) years, three (3) committee members for a term of two (2) years and three (3) committee members for a term of one (1) year. Thereafter, each succeeding incoming Grand Master shall appoint three (3) committee members for a term of three (3) years. The selections shall be discussed prior to the appointments among of the current elective officers - Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, and Junior Grand Warden.

Proposed Legislation:A committee on strategic planning shall focus on analysis, continuity and program implementation addressing all aspects of Grand Lodge designed to preserve the future of the craft by addressing cooperation between the progressive the Grand Lodge Officers and the Grand Lodge Trustees. The scope of the committee shall include a minimum a projected five year period. The responsibilities shall be accomplished by bi-monthly meetings, except during July, August and December, and by special meetings called by the Grand Master who shall preside as Chairman. The committee shall consist of the following five (5) members by virtue of their respective offices: Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden, and President of the Grand Lodge Trustees. In addition, the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden and Junior Grand Warden will each appoint two (2) members of their choosing each year, with the concurrence of the Grand Master.

Interpretive Statement: Committee members have contributed many hours, recommending action or changes to the Grand Master who has already planned his year. Even though the current legislation states how the committee was to be structured, it has never taken place in that manner. A strategic planning committee which includes the progressive elected officers and President of the Grand Lodge Trustees plus other learned brethren to provide additional input will sponsor cooperation as programs and changes in the Grand Lodge are planned by the respective progressive line officers for their year as Grand Master. Some may say that this committee, with a maximum of thirteen (13) members attending a meeting may be too much. Many other committees, such as our Masonic Charity Foundation have a large number of members. A similar example is the Grand Lodge Masonic Renewal Committee in the mid to late 1990s. These committees did, and do, function effectively. This structure if approved, provides input from both leadership and the rank and file and will keep the progressive elected line in touch




with the needs and problems of the lodges and brethren. It also allows for continuity over a four-year period.

Roger Quintana, PM, Blue Stone Mystic Tie Malta Doric Lodge No. 35Gregory J. Scott, PM, Peninsula Lodge No. 99Robert V. Monacelli, PM, AzureMasada Lodge No. 22

TITLE FOUR, ARTICLE XI, SECTION 4, Part 3NEW SUB-PARTS:(k). DISCOVERY

1. INTERROGATORIES: Any party may upon any other party write 10 written interrogatories, without sub-parts, relating to any matters which are relevant and material to the matters which are the subject of the charges. The interrogators may include a request, at the pro-pounder’s expense, for a copy of any paper, or other evidential materials, is intended to be introduced into evidence at any trial.2. Interrogatories shall be served upon the answering party within 14 days of the date of the filing of the accused’s answer to the charges. Service shall be made by certified mail, return receipt requested, and by regular mail. Service may also be made by electronic mail, but that shall not relieve the responsibility of service by certified mail. A failure to serve interrogatories within those 14 days shall be conclusively deemed to be a waiver of the right to serve interrogatories.3. Interrogatories shall be answered by the party upon whom they are served, in writing, signed and sworn to upon his honor and the obligations of a Master Mason. The answering party shall furnish all information available to that party which is fully responsive to the question asked. The answers shall be served upon the party who served the interrogatories, within 14 days of the date of service of the interrogatories. Service of the answer to interrogatories shall be by regular mail to the address of the party who serve them. Answer may also be served by electronic mail but shall not relieve the answering party of the obligation to serve written, signed answers, by regular mail.4. Upon leave granted by the Chairman of the Trial of Charges Committee, service of all other documents in response to discovery requests may be served electronically, by e-mail, to the e-mail addresses of the respective parties, which addresses shall be served upon the Chairman of the Trial of Charges Committee, and all other interested parties, within 10 days of the filing of the accused’s answer to the charges.5. If any party who has furnished answers to interrogatories thereafter obtains information that renders such answers incomplete or inaccurate, amended answers, supplying any such additional information, shall be served upon all other parties within 10 days of the obtaining of the additional information. 6. DOCUMENT PRODUCTION: Any party may serve upon any other party a request to produce a copy of any designated document (including writings, drawings,

graphs, charts, photographs, records, sound recordings, or electronically stored information) or other tangible things related to the matters which are the subject of the charges, and which are in the possession or control of the party upon whom the request is served. All requests for production shall be limited to 10 separate designated documents or things, without sub-parts.7. All requests for document production shall be served not later than 14 days from the date of the service of the accused’s answer to the charges. A failure to serve document requests within those 14 days shall be conclusively deemed to be a waiver of the right to serve document requests.8. Document production requests shall be responded to by the party upon whom they are served in writing, sworn to under the honor and obligations of a Master Mason. The answering party shall furnish all information available to that party which is fully responsive to the request. The responses shall be served upon the party who served the requests within 14 days of the date of the service of the requests. Service of the responses shall be by regular mail to the address of the party serving the requests or by electronic mail with confirmation of delivery.

(l) FAILURE TO PROVIDE DISCOVERYUpon the failure of a party, upon whom discovery requests have been served, to provide the requested responses within the time prescribed, the party entitled to the discovery may file a motion, on notice to all other parties, with the Chairman of the Trial of Charges Committee, for an order for sanctions against the delinquent party. Such sanctions may include suppression of evidence, and/or dismissal of the charges of the accuser, and/or suppression of the defenses of the accused. All such motions shall be filed with the chairman within 10 days of the date of the delinquency in regard to the discovery request. If no motion has been filed within that time, the assertion of delinquency shall be deemed waived. The party against whom such a motion has been filed shall file any responsive motion papers with the chairman, within five days of the filing of the motion. All motion papers shall be filed with the Chairman electronically, with confirmation of receipt. All motions shall be decided by the Chairman on the papers filed and without oral argument.

Interpretive Statement: As Chairman of the Trial of Charges Committee, it has been, parent over the several years, that there is in inherent unfairness in the present pretrial procedures. Those procedures fail to provide any vehicle by which the person accused has the opportunity to discover the nature and extent of the evidence to be presented against them, in order to properly prepare a defense. Neither is there a provision for the accusers to become aware of any evidence that might be used by the accused in the presentation of the defense. This promotes trial by surprise which is




perceived as being inequitable. As a matter of course, the trial panel has, even without any specific provisions relating to discovery, routinely allowed limited discovery in the nature described above. This legislation is intended to promote fairness in the preparation for Masonic trials and to allow each side to be aware of the evidence which they will need to meet during a Masonic trial. It also provides a means by which to seek a sanction, in the event that either party fails to response to appropriate discovery requests, which can result in the exclusion of evidence or the dismissal of charges or suppression of an accused’s defenses. These provisions mirror New Jersey Court Rules in the same fashion that the Code for Trial of Charges incorporate the New Jersey Rules of Evidence. It is respectfully urged that the adoption of these discovery opportunities will promote greater fairness to the parties, and allow for the expediting of the disposition of charges.

Kevin F. Colquhoun, PM, Cincinnati Lodge No. 3Chairman, Trial of Charges Committee

TITLE FOUR, ARTICLE XI, SECTION 7, Part 1NEW SUB-PARTS:(i) Trials. All trials shall be held at the location of the Grand Lodge, in the Trenton Temple, 100 Barrack St., Trenton, NJ.

Interpretive Statement: One of the principal requirements in regard to conducting trials is the creation of a usable record of the trial. This is important to protect the interests of all parties in the event of an appeal to the Appeals and Grievances Committee. All

such appeals are taken on the official record. Under the current procedures, the trial Secretary keeps a record of the proceedings, which is the official record. As a matter of course, over the years, where trial shave been held in individual respective lodges, the accessibility of satisfactory means of recording the proceedings varies greatly from place to place. In some instances the record created is satisfactory. In far too many instances, however, the quality of the recording is poor and the record is barely usable on appeal. In order to avoid such vagaries in regard to recording equipment, and to ensure the quality of the record, in recent years, the Grand Masters have issued edicts requiring that all trials take place at the Trenton Temple, where the Grand Lodge has in place recording equipment to ensure the providing of a quality record for appeal. This legislation is intended to make permanent the designation of the Grand Lodge as the location for all trials so that all parties can be assured of a quality record in the event an appeal is necessary. This will also relieve Grand Masters of the need to issue repeated edicts in this regard. The location of the Trenton Temple is also relatively central to the majority of the lodges in that state and provides a universally convenient location in which to hold Masonic trials.

Kevin F. Colquhoun, PM, Cincinnati Lodge No. 3

Chairman, Trial of Charges Committee


Budget Proposed 2017-2018 2018-2019OPERATING REVENUE Grand Lodge per Capita Assessment $407,000 $418,142Blue Lodge Insurance Assessment 64,750 85,335Staff Contribution to Annual Communication 50,000 50,000Annual Communication MCF 10,000 10,000Sale of Supplies 15,000 15,500Investment Fund Income 210,0000 210,000Freemason Advertising 2,000 2,000 Feast of St. John 10,000 10,000Leadership Conference 20,500 20,500Chip Donations 1,000 1,000Background Checks 10,000 0Wheelchair Track Meet 13,500 13,500Trenton Temple Assessment (2.00) Rent 37,000 34,134Contributions 1,000 1,000Miscellaneous 0 1,000TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE $851,750 $872,111

OPERATING EXPENSES PERSONNEL Salaries $178,500 $183,855Payroll Taxes 19,635 20,224Stipend 4,000 4,000Maintenance Staff 10,000 5,000TOTAL PERSONNEL EXPENSE $212,135 $213,079

OPERATING EXPENSE Audit $15,000 $15,000IRS Form 990 11,500 25,000Accounting and Bookkeeping 15,000 20,000Investment Advisor 0 0Office Supplies 8,500 6,500Social Media 10,000 5,000Electronic Communications 4,000 5,000Printing 6,000 12,000Postage and UPS 10,000 8,500GL Collars, Aprons and Tokens 7,000 8,000Official Expense 45,000 48,000Equipment Contract and Leases 1,000 0Legal 30,000 10,000GL Insurance 9,000 9,000Blue Lodge Insurance 60,125 85,335Trenton Temple Rent & Utilities 60,000 60,000Administrative Office Expense 3,000 3,000Miscellaneous 1,000 1,000Public Relations 12,000 12,000Background Checks 8,000 0TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSE $316,125 $333,335

GRAND LODGE ACTIVITIES Annual Communication $140,000 $145,000Emergent Communications 1,000 1,000Northeast Conference 5,000 4,000 of Grand Masters

Budget Proposed 2017-2018 2018-2019Conference of Grand Masters $22,000 $20,000 of N. AmericaFeast of St. John 10,000 10,000Past Grand Master’s Jewel 10,000 25,000Awards and Certificates 10,000 10,000Cost of Resale Supplies 10,000 6,000TOTAL GRAND LODGE ACTIVITIES $208,000 $221,000

EDUCATION PROGRAMS Ritual Committee $500 $500District Deputy Grand Masters 500 500Education Services 20,000 20,000Youth Committee 8,000 5,000Masonic Leadership Conference 20,500 23,000NJ Freemason Magazine 30,000 30,000TOTAL EDUCATION EXPENSE $79,500 $79,000

CHARITABLE PROGRAMS Veterans Hospital Programs $500 $500Masonic Services 1,500 1,500 Association (donation)CHIP 1,000 500Wheelchair Track and Field Meet 13,500 13,500Masonic Blood Bank 500 500TOTAL CHARITABLE PROGRAMS $17,000 $16,500

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE $851,750 $872,111

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $832,760 $862,914

PASS THROUGH ASSESSMENTS REVENUE Masonic Charity Foundation $333,000 $307,206Initiate Fee for MCF (25.00) 10,000 10,000GWNM per Capita (1.00) 18,500 17,067Initiate Fee for GWNM (5.00) 3,000 3,000DeMolay per Capita (1.00) 18,500 17,067Rainbow per Capita (1.00) 18,500 17,067TOTAL PASS THROUGH ASSESSMENTS $401,500 $371,407

PASS THROUGH ASSESSMENTS DISBURSEMENTS Masonic Charity Foundation $333,000 $307,206Initiates Contribution to MCF 10,000 10,000GWNM Assessment 18,500 17,067Initiates Contribution to GWNM 3,000 3,000DeMolay 18,500 17,067Rainbow 18,500 17,067TOTAL PASS THROUGH ASSESSMENTS $401,500 $371,407

GRAND TOTAL REVENUE $1,253,250 $1,243,518

GRAND TOTAL EXPENDITURES $1,234,260 $1,234,321

SURPLUS (DEFICIT) $18,990 $9,197

Membership Base = 17,067

Proposed Grand Lodge Budget 2018-2019Grand Lodge


Happenings at West Hill

Submitted by M.W. Joseph Rival

With the Holiday season approaching, we are quite busy. The house is being decorated in preparation for our open house on December 10, in conjunction with Peachfield Historic Site. We will again be hosting a few holiday events from various groups. It is a great venue for small parties and gatherings. Please keep us in mind when planning your next event.

This past September, we hosted our 5th Annual Civil War Encampment and, this time, Living History. There were several groups represented. We actually had 2 Civil War cannons – wow, what a noise they made!!

We finally had Ted Brewer improve the support system for the first floor under the original, and relocated, basement stairs. New supports were installed in the basement. Now we are able to remove the wall and supports on the first floor. It opens up the hall next to the stairs the way it originally looked – lots of light!

Outside, we built a grape arbor. According to our findings,

there were grape arbors throughout the estate. Hopefully, the

vines will take and will produce grapes next spring.

The second floor is coming along nicely. All the rooms have

been renovated, at least partially. The blue room, the GMs old

office, needs some more furniture. In the green room where

Suzanna Emlen’s surgery took place, we are hoping to get an

old table similar to the type that would have been used for the

operation and a few surgical instruments used around 1814.

Both of these seem either hard to find or quite expensive.

Our future projects include ripping up the foyer wooden

floor. It is a laminate that was installed, probably sometime

in the mid to late 1900s. Water damage from a leaking air

conditioner unit caused the floors to “buckle” and now it is

necessary to rip up the entire floor. I’m very concerned

about what we will find underneath and have to refinish.

Any volunteers??

Another project is to partially open up a wall in the kitchen

to expose the stairs stringer used by Suzanna in preparation

for her operation in 1814, as documented in her diaries. They

were removed when the basement stairs were installed and

the kitchen renovated.

As you can see, we’re still busy working on the restoration

and . . things are “Happening at West Hill”.

Grand Lodge

The Grand Lodge of New Jersey Ashlar Fund, Inc.Submitted by M.W. David A. Dorworth

“We Will Strive to Be a Fund that Fulfills Our Masonic Obligations to Our Masonic Family” The Grand Lodge of NJ Ashlar Fund, a tax exempt 501c3 corporation was created on the recommendation of a tax Attorney and a Certified Public Accountant who were retained with the consent of the Grand Lodge Trustees in 2013. The intention was to always have the proceeds of Acacia Lumberton Manor directly benefit the Masons of NJ. and to follow Federal and NJ tax exempt laws. We were also bound to comply with the corporate structure regarding the sale of Acacia Lumberton Manor a tax exempt 501c3 corporation.

The Certificate of Incorporation was received and filed in December 2013. The Tax Exempt status was approved in June 2015. The intended purpose of the Ashlar Fund was to have the funding in place to help Brother Masons and their families in times of need. Our Mission Statement as adopted is “We Will Strive to Be a Fund That Fulfills Our Masonic Obligations to Our Masonic Family”.

The By Laws of the Corporation were adopted which included the structure of the Trustees. The trustees are

composed of the Elected Line, The President and Vice President of the Grand Lodge of NJ Trustees, and two additional Trustees, one elected by the Trustees and the other appointed by the Grand Master. Internally there is a President, Vice President, Treasurer and an appointed Secretary who is not a Trustee of the corporation. In November 2015 the remaining Funds from the sale of Acacia Lumberton Manor were released and transferred to The Grand Lodge of NJ Ashlar Fund, Inc. The funds were properly invested to produce maximum return with minimal risk through a certified Investment Adviser. It was decided by the Trustees that no distributions would be made for one year which would end in December 2016 and determined that any distributions from the Ashlar Fund would be passed through the Masonic Charity Foundation, Outreach and Engagement Program formed for the purpose of Masons Helping Masons. We have meetings as called for by President, MW Gerald J. Sharpe in person or by electronic media.

The Outreach and Engagement Program committee was formed and placed under the leadership of Brother Andrew Churney employee of Masonic Charity Foundation. The Committee has been able to help many Masons and their families over the last year. Brother Churney can be reached at (609) 239 3804.


Submitted by R.W. Michael S Neuberger, Grand Historian

On October 7, 2017, the brethren and officers of Azure Masada Lodge No. 22 invited the Grand Master, the Elected Line, and brethren from around New Jersey to come celebrate the election of R.W. Robert V. Monacelli to the Grand South, at the Masonic Fellowship Center.

W.B. Ryan P. Moy, Worshipful Master of Azure Masada, gaveled the lodge to order at 7:30 pm and welcomed the Grand Master, the Elected Line, and the Past Grand Masters in attendance to the East. R.W. Dwayne A. Dolly II, Grand Chaplain from the 1st Masonic District gave the opening benediction. After the pledge of allegiance to Old Glory, W.B. Moy welcomed all the guests and thanked the Reception Committee, chaired by R.W. Barry P. Kornspan, PDDGM of the 13th Masonic District, for all of their hard work and effort in putting together the evening’s program.

R.W. and Illustrious David A. Glattly, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Jurisdiction, Past Grand Marshall, (formerly known, with great affection and respect by many, as “Deputy Dave”) presented R.W. Monacelli to the brethren. He thanked him for all of his hard work while serving as the Deputy Representative and his dedication to the Scottish Rite. R.W. Monacelli had earned through tireless effort and devotion the rank of a 33rd and the Meritorious Service Award for distinguished service to the Scottish Rite.

To the theme of The Godfather, R.W. Monacelli took to the podium after the warm greetings by R.W. and Ill. Glattly. He spoke from the heart about how great the fellowship is in our craft. He described how other Grand Jurisdictions and Appendant Bodies came to New Jersey’s aid after hurricane Sandy, and how New Jersey was now paying it forward with hurricane relief for Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. He stressed how we are more than a fraternity, but truly family, brother helping brother. He read a poem to all the women

that evening recognizing how everything we achieve as masons, we could not do without the support from our ladies. He thanked his wife and all the work she put in to the evening’s success. Every table had a decorative center piece of flowers showered in pink for breast cancer awareness. R.W. Monacelli concluded his remarks with a quote, “We are New Jersey Freemasons, and we care for each other”.

R.W. Gary J. Olsen, DDGM of the 17th Masonic District read a response on behalf of R.W. Ronald A. Murad, DDGM of the 10th Masonic District, who unfortunately could not be in attendance that evening due to a family obligation. He highlighted that no matter how involved R.W. Monacelli may get with the Scottish Rite, the Elected Line, or the Masonic Charity Foundation, he never forgets his roots. He always remains dedicated to Azure Masada and to the 10th District.

M. W. Daniel M. Wilson, PGM 2004, pledged the support of the Past Grand Masters to help R.W. Monacelli as he progresses through the line to the Grand Oriental Chair in the East. R.W. Roger B. Quintana, DGM spoke of R.W. Monacelli’s passion and love for the fraternity and his devotion to team work.

Most Worshipful Dieter B. Hees, Grand Master of Masons’s of the State of New Jersey, was last to speak, and thanked R.W. Monacelli for all the work he has done as Junior Grand Warden. He listed his top 5 attributes as someone who (i) was simply a nice man with a big heart (ii) intelligent and quick to grasp ideas (iii) trustworthy (iv) fair and just, and (v) a dependable guy, someone who gets the job done. He presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation for all of his great work to our gentile craft.

It was a wonderful evening, and the best way to sum it all up, is to borrow a quote from the reception program, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”.

Grand LodgeReception for R.W. Robert “Victory” Monacelli

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Grand LodgeFeast of Saints John


On Saturday, December 2, 2017, Most Worshipful Dieter B, Hees, Grand Master of Masons for the State of New Jersey called the craft to celebrate the Feasts of Saints John. As his special guests, he invited Master Chief Petty Officer Steven W. Cantrell of the United States Coast Guard; Captain Owen L. Gibbons, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Training Center Cape May NJ; and Brian Diner, VP of the Coast Guard Enlisted Memorial Fund. This year one of the Grand Master’s charities has been to help finance the Coast Guard Enlisted Memorial, to be built on the grounds of Training Center Cape May, NJ. This memorial will be dedicated to the over 1,500 Coast Guard men and women, who have given their full measure in the performance of their duties to our great nation.

The evening began with a benediction by R.W. Jeffrey Schwartz, Grand Chaplain from the 24th Masonic District. After the pledge of allegiance to Old Glory, the Grand Master introduced our guest of honor, Master Chief Petty Officer Cantrell, who described the global mission of the U.S. Coast Guard, and then engaged in a question and answer session with the brethren.

New Jersey Freemasons should be proud of the efforts of the Grand Master, as through his leadership, we the brethren raised $60,000 for the memorial. Presented to the Coast Guard that evening were checks from:

The Grand Lodge of New Jersey $30,000

Hiram and Solomon Cigars $10,000

The Rothman Family $10,000

Anonymous $5,500

Excelsior Scottish Rite $3,000

Our guests from the U.S. Coast Guard were truly moved by the generosity of our faithful craft.

United States Coast Guard The Coast Guard is one of five branches of the United States Armed Forces.1 On August 4, 1790, Congress, by request of Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, created a revenue marine, later to be known as the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, to collect custom duties at the various seaports around the country. This was one of the main sources of federal revenues at the time.

The Massachusetts Humane Society in the early 1800’s began an all-volunteer lifesaving service to help sailing ships in trouble near coastal waters. On August 14, 1848, NJ Representative William Newell pushed through Congress funding for similar lifesaving stations along the NJ coastline. During the subsequent years, more stations were added in North Carolina, Texas, Michigan, Florida, and all along the U.S. coastline.

On January 28, 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed an order merging the Revenue Cutter Service and the Life-Saving Service into what we know today as the United States Coast Guard.

Their mission is an array of maritime duties, from ensuring safe and lawful commerce to performing rescue missions. Nearly 42,000 men and women are actively serving in the Coast Guard to defend America’s borders and protect the maritime environment

Master Chief Petty Officer Steven W. Cantrell Master Chief Steven W. Cantrell assumed the duties of the 12th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard on May 22, 2014. As the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commandant, Master Chief Cantrell advises him on enlisted workforce policies, advocates for military benefits and entitlements, is the senior enlisted mentor, and acts as the sounding board for select enlisted administrative actions. Master Chief Cantrell also devotes time traveling throughout the Coast Guard, observing training and communicating with Coast Guardsmen and their families.

Master Chief Cantrell’s awards include the Legion of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals, one Coast Guard Commendation Medal with an operational distinguishing device, seven Coast Guard Achievement Medals with an operational distinguishing device, and numerous other personal and service awards. He has earned a permanent Cutterman insignia, Coxswain insignia, Boat Forces Operations insignia, Command Afloat and Ashore devices, and a Command Master Chief (Gold Badge) insignia.

Feast of Saints John Freemasons celebrate both St. John the Baptist (Feast Day June 24) and St. John the Evangelist (Feast Day December 27). The Grand Lodge of England was formed on June 24, 1717 and the United Grand Lodge of England (which united the Antients and the Moderns) was formed on December 27, 1813.

St. John the Baptist is revered and known to all three monotheistic faiths. He

preached baptism by water as a form of repentance from sin and that the Messiah would come and baptize with the Holy Spirit. He was known for his zealousness and passion.

St. John the Evangelist is credited with authoring the Gospel of John, and was one of the original twelve apostles. He was one of the leaders of the Jerusalem Church after the death of Jesus. He was known as an educator and a learned man.

Together these Saints represent the balance a mason must follow between passion and reason.

1Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard



On Sunday, November 5, 2017, Most Worshipful Dieter B. Hees, Grand Master of Masons of the State of New Jersey, accompanied by R.W. Roger B. Quintana, Deputy Grand Master; R.W. Michael Holt, Grand Orator; R.W. Ronald Murad, District Deputy Grand Master of the 10th Masonic District, and other distinguished brethren visited the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park to celebrate Veteran’s Day.

The church service was beautifully led by Reverend Lester Shelly, Chaplain of the Home. One of the most tender moments of the service was the “Moment of Friendship”, when the Reverend asks all those in attendance to turn to their neighbor, and to welcome them, wish them well, and most importantly, to bless them. Each and every one of us has the power to bless our neighbor, to call upon God’s wonderful grace to look after our fellow man.

At one point in the service, there was a prayer of confession, that read. “God of Mercy and Light, forgive us for walking in darkness of our own making….Light a pathway for us to follow, O God of all Creation.” We make

our own darkness, but God always stands ready with light, all we need to do is follow.

The Grand Master addressed the audience at the end of the service, thanking all the men and women of the Home for their dedicated service in the armed forces of our great country. He talked about the memorial to the Coast Guard, and how New Jersey Freemasons were working to support this long deserved initative. It is because of the men and women in that room, that our country is free today, and we owe them all our boundless generosity and kindness.

Grand LodgeGM’s PV to the NJ Veterans Memorial Home

A Unique Master’s JewelSubmitted by Matthew A. Leilich, PM, Distinguished Lecturer, Gothic-Fraternal Lodge No. 270

On December 12, 2017 Collingswood-Cloud Lodge No. 101 held their annual officers installation. Wanting to present the incoming Master with a unique gift as befitting his new office, installing officer Worshipful Brother Matthew Leilich presented Brother Martin Bogardus with a uniquely constructed gift – a Historian’s jewel bonded to a Master’s jewel.

As many of you may know, WB Bogardus has a passion for history and all things Masonic. In addition to having served as Historian for the past several years at his own lodge, he also serves as Secretary of the New Jersey Lodge of Masonic Research & Education No. 1786, is Associate Editor to the New Jersey Freemason magazine, and his scholarly research has been featured in several Masonic periodicals including The Masonic Society journal.

During his year as Master WB Bogardus has additionally committed to represent Collingswood-Cloud as lodge historian. However, it would be frowned upon if Brother Bogardus wore both the Master’s jewel and Historian’s jewel simultaneously since wearing two Masonic jewels would look cumbersome.

Wanting WB Bogardus to be better able to represent his dual role as Master and Historian, it was decided to create

a new jewel reflecting his unique station in his lodge. WB Leilich proposed soldering the two jewels together allowing the link to pass through both holes, allowing the Master to more accurately represent his twin role as Master and Historian. Our grand jurisdiction has never had a lodge officer wear a combination of two jewels, so this truly is a “very singular occurrence”. I am confident that WB Bogardus will acquit himself quite well in his new role!

Worshipful Master Martin Bogardus of Collingswood-Cloud Lodge No. 101 was invested with a combined Master’s and Historian’s Jewel, the first of its kind in the state of New Jersey.


SALAAM SHRINE EVENTS FOR 2018

Golf Outing at FarmsteadA Fundraiser for SHC-Philadelphia

Friday, May 25th88 Lawrence Rd, Lafayette, NJ 07848

11am

SHC-Philadelphia Gala at Crescent ShrineA Fundraiser for SHC-Philadelphia

Sunday, July 22nd700 Highland Drive, Westampton, NJ 08060

1pm

Salaam Shrine PicnicSaturday, August 12th

Whippany, NJ 10am

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Russian HallSaturday, March 17th

4 Woodhull Ave, Little Falls, NJ 074244pm

Salaam Shrine Potentate’s Ball at Hanover ManorA Fundraiser for SHC-Philadelphia

Saturday, October 13th16 Eagle Rock Ave, East Hanover, NJ 07936

6pm

Ill. Sir Louis A. “Tunes” O’Neill2018 Potentate

Philippines Oasis Night at Salaam ShrineTBA

With Special Guest Ill. Sir General Roberto V. “Fadji” Fajardo from the Mabuhay Shrine376 Hollywood Ave, Fairfield, NJ 07004

R.S.V.P. to Salaam Shrine (973) 992 - 1111

All are welcomed to join our family for fun and fellowship!

fax: (862) 210 - 8064phone: (973) 992 - 1111 email : [email protected]

114 Algonquin Parkway, Whippany, NJ 07981


Salaam Shriners Charity Golf Outing for

SHC - Philadelphia

$185 per person Registration starts at 12pm

Shotgun tee off at 1:00pm Sharp

Includes :Green Fees & cart

Lunch provided on the field(hamburgers, hotdogs, beer & chips)

Prime Rib Dinner(soft drinks, coffee and dessert)

Plus 3 cocktail drink tickets

Salaam Bag & GiveawaysSilent Auction & 50/50

SHC- Philadelphia Guest Speaker

Call Salaam Shrine to Reserve your spot at (973) 992 - 1111

88 Lawrence RdLafayette, NJ 07848

Friday, May 25that

FARMSTEAD

fax: (862) 210 - 8064phone: (973) 992 - 1111 email : [email protected] Algonquin Parkway, Whippany, NJ 07981

SALAAM SHRINE EVENTS FOR 2018

Golf Outing at FarmsteadA Fundraiser for SHC-Philadelphia

Friday, May 25th88 Lawrence Rd, Lafayette, NJ 07848

11am

SHC-Philadelphia Gala at Crescent ShrineA Fundraiser for SHC-Philadelphia

Sunday, July 22nd700 Highland Drive, Westampton, NJ 08060

1pm

Salaam Shrine PicnicSaturday, August 12th

Whippany, NJ 10am

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Russian HallSaturday, March 17th

4 Woodhull Ave, Little Falls, NJ 074244pm

Salaam Shrine Potentate’s Ball at Hanover ManorA Fundraiser for SHC-Philadelphia

Saturday, October 13th16 Eagle Rock Ave, East Hanover, NJ 07936

6pm

Ill. Sir Louis A. “Tunes” O’Neill2018 Potentate

Philippines Oasis Night at Salaam ShrineTBA

With Special Guest Ill. Sir General Roberto V. “Fadji” Fajardo from the Mabuhay Shrine376 Hollywood Ave, Fairfield, NJ 07004

R.S.V.P. to Salaam Shrine (973) 992 - 1111

All are welcomed to join our family for fun and fellowship!

fax: (862) 210 - 8064phone: (973) 992 - 1111 email : [email protected]

114 Algonquin Parkway, Whippany, NJ 07981


Grand Lodge2017 NJ Masonic Leadership Conference

Submitted by W Bro. Martin Bogardus, Associate Editor

It was that time of year again - with the leaves changing color and the crisp smell of autumn in the air; it was time to drive out to Elizabethtown, Pa. for the 2017 Masonic Leadership Conference (MLC.) For those who haven’t had the pleasure of attending, the MLC is designed to impart the necessary skills to become a more effective leader in your lodge and is open to all Senior Deacons and Junior Wardens who have not yet attended a previous conference and are not Past Master’s.

Over one hundred men from the state and elsewhere attended including several brothers from the 18th district. Time Boyle, Rising Sun lodge, Martin Bogardus, Collingswood Cloud lodge, Jack Myers, Fred Martin, Alex Orbe, USS New Jersey lodge, and Michael Mattes from Mozart lodge attended.

Jam-packed with educational programs and interactive sessions showcased in a fun and friendly environment, the staff members had something of interest for all that attended. Whether it was learning new skills to aid you in leading your lodge, networking with other junior lodge leaders or more experienced staff members at the conference, or just reconnecting with old friends, this year’s conference had something for everyone. The Dining hall was especially a great opportunity to meet new friends as meal times afforded another occasion to meet new brothers from across the state and exchange ideas.

There were team building exercises as well as presentations offered during the conference. In one of the team building exercises, brothers were asked to split into four groups for the purpose of building high performing teams/organizations. Teams were divided by how expressive/assertive they were and the exercise helped with assessing an individual’s strengths/weaknesses in performing task oriented issues as well as fostering better communication with other groups not in the same subset. The intention of the exercise was to increase problem solving skills when dealing with different social styles of leadership.

The keynote speaker was John S. Nagy, acclaimed writer of the “Building Better Builders Series” as well as the “The Craft Unmasked” which was given to every member at the conference. Brother Nagy spoke on “Leading Good Men Toward Betterment” and “Playing Your Part,” understanding your role in Masonry and what you should be striving for as a Mason.

Other speakers Included Bros. Stein and Margroff who conducted a book discussion on Carl Claudy’s “The Master’s Book,” “Memorizing Ritual” by RW Roy Winter and a round table discussion on increasing lodge membership and retention. RW Glenn Visscher spoke on “Preparing for the East,” a wonderful presentation on helping future lodge leaders prepare for their role as Worshipful Master. Our own RW Keith Herman gave several interesting talks the importance of effective trestleboard writing and “How to be Courteous without Saying Please.”

This is a “must attend” event and well worth attending if you intend to be Master someday! Space fills up quickly, so please contact your lodge secretary or DDGM for an application if interested in participating in next year’s conference.


A NJ FREEMASON’S LOVE OF CHILDREN IS NOW A REALITY Volta Hope Children’s Home owes it’s beginning to a successful working relationship of two people who love children.

Kate (McCarthy) Agbesi was born and raised in Dover, New Jersey. Her position as an Executive in Strategic Management/Global Sourcing created the opportunity to work with Ernest Agbesi who was born in Accra, Ghana and raised in the Volta Region. Ernest’s business in Import/Export gave them the perfect opportunity to work together professionally. After several years working together, Ernest and Kate began to make visits to support orphanages in Ghana to bring food, clothing, toys, etc. as a way to “give back” and share their success.

Work brought them together and over time their mutual interests and affection grew. They married in Ghana in 2012 and lived for two years in Accra where Ernest had his business. They continued to visit and give goods to the various orphanages in the Volta Region but soon became disheartened. Year after year, what they saw was that the living, educational, and health conditions of the children never improved while the number of children in need of a home increased exponentially.

In 2014 they sold the business and built a home in Kpando, Volta Region of Ghana. While looking for a new location to start a business and thinking about the potential business opportunities, they kept thinking about the children. So, in-lieu-of starting a new business, they decided to start a non-profit organization and to build a home for children in need.

They found a large parcel of property in the bush with an opportunity for expansion, bought it and started working on construction. It took two and a half years to complete construction but during that time, they Incorporated Volta Hope, Inc. in the United States and obtained 501c3 Non-Profit Status. They also Incorporated in Ghana and obtained NGO (Non-Government Organization) Non-Profit Status. The initial Directors were established as Katherine Agbesi, President, Ernest Agbesi, VP/Secretary and Neal A. McCarthy, Treasurer. After several months of navigating the government agencies involved in operating a residential home for children, providing required staffing and purchasing supplies/inventory, Volta Hope Children’s Home was ready to open.

From the time that the work began on Volta Hope Children’s Home, the needs of the Region had changed significantly. While there was still a need to provide a loving home for orphans, deserted and trafficked children a recent

farmland dispute between several villages became hostile and many farmers were killed. This left many children without any parents or with only one parent who was unable to support the family due to the seizure of the farmland in dispute by the federal government.

Volta Hope Children’s Home officially opened on June 25, 2017. In working with social welfare and local assemblymen, 23 children were placed at the home. The children range in age from 3 to 15; each with a story and history of their own. Some children were never able to go to school but now, all of the school age Children (19) are enrolled and attending school daily. The 4 younger children are being taught by the housemothers onsite in the classrooms to prepare them for school.

Recently, the Directors implemented a Child Sponsorship Program to help with the medical, educational, and clothing costs of the children. By sponsorship, it is hoped that additional children can be placed into Volta Hope as it is only filled to 25% of capacity. Individuals and/or organizations can review pictures and profiles of the children and register to sponsor a child at www.voltahope.com. As a 501c3 non-profit, all sponsor donations are tax deductible. Donors will receive a confirmation/receipt of their donation(s) shortly after year-end. Sponsors will also receive pictures and periodic communications from their child to learn about their activities and progress at both the home and in school.

At the Volta Hope Children’s Home we have also prepared “Volunteer Quarters” that include sleeping rooms, showers and toilet facilities. Individuals who have an interest in sharing skills, knowledge, games, or just fun are welcome to submit a volunteer application to come to Ghana and work with the children. Housing and meals for volunteers is provided without cost to them. Volunteers are responsible for their own air transportation to Ghana but will be met at the Airport and transported to the Home at no cost to them. provided without cost to them.

Please Follow Volta Hope Children’s Home at:Facebook – voltahope

Website – www.voltahope.com

Instagram - voltahope

Tweet @voltahope

Contact Us at: [email protected]

Grand LodgeFor the Love of Children


EducationHonoring M.W. David A. Chase, PGM, 2001

It was Thursday, April 17, 1952, Brother Harry S. Truman was in the White House and the Cold War was in full bloom. On this day, at All Souls Hospital, Morristown, New Jersey, David A. Chase came into the world. He grew up in the small, bucolic town of Lake Hapatcong, NJ, going to school in neighboring Jefferson Township. Not far from home, he built his career in the pharmaceutical industry, retiring from Novartis Pharmaceuticals after 40 years of service. The best thing to happen to Dave during his tenure with the company was to meet Kathleen Taggart; they eventually married. He was blessed with a beautiful daughter Theresa and a wonderful stepson Rick.

At the tender age of 23, Dave petitioned Musconetcong Lodge No.151 (Now No.42) in Budd Lake and on March 26, 1976, he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Like many of us who join the Craft, Dave became passionate about Masonry and in 1981, he was elected Worshipful Master. After years of diligent service to his Lodge, he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the First Masonic District, in the year 1993, by M.W. Francis R. Mitchell. Only five short years later, he was elected Junior Grand Warden. As a Grand Lodge officer, he befriended a number of great Masons such as M.W. Ross Van Ness Bayer, M.W. Wayne Hackney, and M.W. Ferris Tryon. In fact, Dave had a habit of making many of those with whom he worked part of his extended family.

On Thursday, April 26, 2001, at the Tropicana Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, M.W. David A. Chase was installed as Grand Master. M.W. Brother Chase will be the first to tell you that becoming Grand Master is not something that you can achieve on your own. He credits his loving family with giving him direction and support, while all along receiving inspiration from his father, who was also a very active and dedicated Mason.

Although it wasn’t really that long ago, back in 2001 the Grand Lodge had not yet embraced the internet. One can only imagine the Grand Lodge keeping connected to 35,000 Masons without e-mail or a website. It is M.W. Chase who said, it was time to join the 21st Century and get on line. In spite of this tremendous change to the operations of Grand Lodge, his other contributions to the Craft might be considered pivotal. In fact, much of what we take for granted today, was initiated by this Grand Master.

For example, he instituted the Lecture Bar Program. However, back then there were only a total of three bars awarded, the E.A., the F.C. and the M.M. bars. In fact, you might notice that the M.M. bar has only two loops on the top as it was originally intended to be the last bar awarded in the series.

He instituted the New Jersey Masonic Leadership Conference, which is still an indispensable conference for the training of new Lodge officers. Since its inception hundreds of officers have been given the tools to lead their lodges.

He brought a whole new dimension to our Grand Jurisdiction by constituting the N.J. Lodge of Masonic Research & Education No. 1786. This Lodge fosters the education of the Craft through prepared research and open discussion of topics concerning Masonic history, symbolism, philosophy, and current events. For those interested in the academic side of Freemasonry, this Lodge is still going strong.

Just a matter of days after assuming the Grand East, M.W. Chase and the elected officers of Grand Lodge met with the Brethren of Sons of Liberty Lodge. Not yet subordinate to the

Grand Lodge of New Jersey, this Lodge, made up mainly of Brethren from Cuban as well as several other Latin countries expressed a desire to become Regular Masons under our grand jurisdictions. After some formalities, Sons of Liberty Lodge Number 301 was formed under the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. On Saturday, November 17th, 2001, all three degrees were conferred, introducing these Brethren to New Jersey Freemasonry and on Saturday, January 26th, 2001, Sons of Liberty Lodge Number 301 was formally constituted and their officers installed. They are today such an integral part of the Fifth Masonic District, it would be difficult to imagine the District without this outstanding Lodge.

Having achieved all of this would have been enough to make any Grand Master proud of his accomplishments; however, there remained one more thing that M.W. Brother Chase hoped to see happen and that would be for the Grand Lodge of New Jersey to formally recognize the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. This major accomplished was implemented literally in the last hours of his term as Grand Master.

On Wednesday, April 24th, 2002 at the 215th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, he gave his address to the Brethren. He reviewed his achievements and discussed the state of the Craft. However, when it came time to give his recommendations, he decided to hold back on many of his ideas and instead, focused on one single recommendation. In his own words, “This recommendation is that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Jersey recognize as regular the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.”

Due to the overwhelming response of the Brethren to this recommendation, the Grand Master and R.W. Kevin F. Colquhoun, Grand Lodge Counsel worked feverishly through the night to prepare a well thought-out motion that could be presented to the Brethren. On the following day, without much sleep, R.W. Kevin F. Colquhoun made a motion, which would add the following to the Grand Lodge Bylaws:

The Grand Lodge of New Jersey, acknowledging the historical Origin of Prince Hall Lodges, recognizes the existence to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge,


Education

Whence We Came?Submitted by RW Michael S Neuberger, Grand Historian

“Whence we came?” is an aged old question. We know the Grand Lodge of England was formed in 1717, but where did the four lodges that formed the Grand Lodge come from? How far back do our traditions go? Does our ancestry really date only so far back as the age of taverns and bars? Over the next series of articles, we will explore our history and in the process, travel through time to ancient lands and rediscover ancient wisdoms. Our first stop on this trek – Ancient Egypt and the Mysteries of Osiris.

Whence We Came? – Ancient Egypt This year we will celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Grand Lodge of England. On June 24, 1717, four London lodges met and formed the first Grand Lodge. Does that mean our fraternity is 300 years old? Presumably it must be at least 300 “plus” years old, for where did the four London lodges originate? We know very soon after, Lodges in Ireland formed the Grand Lodge of Ireland in 1725 and the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1736. Elias Ashmole records in his diary that he was initiated into masonry in 1646. We have lodge minutes of a Scottish Lodge meeting dated July 1599, and the Halliwell Manuscript fancifully suggests masonry came to England from Egypt in the mid 900’s.

So whence came us? Over the next several months, we will present different theories on the origins of masonry.

Egyptian Mysteries and the story of Osiris The mysteries were practiced by a priesthood performing exoteric or public ceremonies shared with the populace (cowans?) and esoteric ceremonies only shared with those who had passed through an initiation process. The mysteries celebrated Osiris and Isis during the summer solstice (June 21). Could this be the source of masons celebrating the Feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24?

The initiation process began with the mysteries of Isis, which included a preparatory phase where the candidate prepared his mind and body for initiation. Could this have been a version of a Chamber of Reflection? The candidate was led through the bowels of the pyramids by a conductor

where he was tested and purified by water, air, and fire. Could this be the source of our oaths (i) ..my body buried between hi and lo water mark.. (ii) the beast of the field and the vultures of the air… (iii) my bowels taken thence, and burnt to ashes? Unfortunately, little is known of the second degree, known as the mysteries of Serapis, however, it included additional trials and tribulations. In the third degree, known as the mysteries of Osiris, the candidate represented the murdered Osiris.

Osiris was King of Egypt, a wise noble king. He travelled the world to bring the blessings of civilization to other peoples. His brother, Typhon, however, conspired while Osiris was away, and upon his return had him murdered by placing him in a box and drowning it in the Nile. Isis, his wife, searches for his body and untimely discovers it entwined in a tamarisk tree in Byblos along the Phoenician coast (Tyre anyone?). For my readers who never studied botany in school, a tamarisk tree is known as the evergreen tree of the Middle East, similar to an acacia tree.

In some versions of the myth she raises Osiris from the dead to impregnate her, and she gives birth to Horus who avenges Osiris’ death. The practice of Osirian mysteries included rites of fertility and symbolized resurrection and everlasting life. To some, Osiris represented the Sun, Isis the moon, and Typhon winter which “destroys” the sun until it is reborn again in the Summer. The Kings of Egypt associated themselves with Osiris, so that they would inherit eternal life. Any of this sound familiar? Does H.A.B. not represent resurrection and the acacia tree everlasting life?

In ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, the sun God Ra was represented by a point within a circle. To the ancients, God was represented by both male and female and regeneration. The circle represented female, the point in the center represented a column or male (phallus), and combined it represented God or the sun, with the sun being a symbol of birth and renewal.

Perchance these mysteries did travel to England in 900 during the reign of Athelstan or maybe it’s just coincidental? Next month we will explore the Dionysian Artificers.

Honoring M.W. David A. Chase, PGM, 2001

F&AM, State of New Jersey, as regular, subject to the terms of a mutual compact, and not subject to the restrictions of the preceding Section.

Cognizant that this courageous move by the Grand Lodge was a long time in coming, the motion was unanimously accepted by the Brethren. Following this monumental event, there was an alarm at the outer door, it was none other than M.W. John M. Bettis, Grand Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey. He was formally received, courtesies were exchange and both Grand Masters greeted each other as old friends. The magic felt in the room that morning made all present proud to be Masons.

It is still possible for the Brethren of today to experience the same pride enjoyed by those present that day in April. Just send a trestle board or a flyer a Prince Hall Lodge in your neighborhood and invite them to your Lodge. You can find a Prince Hall Lodge close to your Lodge by accessing their Grand Lodge website at: http://www.mwphglnj.org/lodges.php?mod=1

Most Worshipful Brother Chase and his wife have since moved to South Western Pennsylvania (near Johnstown) to be near their daughter and two grandchildren, Addison (6) and Conor (2). Although they enjoy their lifestyle, they certainly miss the many friendships established in New Jersey. Most Worshipful Brother Chase truly remains an example to us all.


Could Bruce Wayne (Batman) Have Been a Freemason?Education

Submitted by W Bro. Martin Bogardus, Associate Editor

Question – What do you call Batman covered in French pastry? The answer – the “Creped Crusader,” of course! He wears a belt full of working tools, is a master of secrecy and even owns his own tuxedo – but, are these seemingly unrelated facts about Batman proof that Bruce Wayne’s other secret identify is that of a Freemason? The facts are circumstantial at best, so don’t expect the equivalent of a photograph of Superman changing costumes in a phone booth or other such “smoking gun” evidence since I don’t have any. But what I do have when combined with other clues represented throughout the many movies, TV series and comic books about the Dark Knight lead to the distinct possibility he could have been one of us. So, let’s take a look at the evidence and see if we can make a compelling argument for the existence of Bruce Wayne of Gotham City being a Freemason.

So, does our Gotham Gladiator have all the right stuff? Let’s use the same criteria Batman and law enforcement would use when identifying a potential person of interest – means, motive and opportunity.

Means – Bruce Wayne as a billionaire definitely qualifies him as a man of means. He owns Wayne Enterprises, hobnobs with other men of industry and is philanthropically supporting a wide number of charities in Gotham City. As Freemasons we are taught that charity is an important component of Freemasonry, and doing good unto others is central to that theme.

Motive – What would motivate Bruce Wayne to join the ranks of Freemasonry? Bruce Wayne is “on the level,” he treats all men equally and sees social justice as a means to making the world a better place. Masons strive both inside and outside the fraternity to be leaders in their communities as good and ethical men. Both Wayne and Freemasonry are also driven by a desire to improve themselves and the place in which they live.

Opportunity – Bruce Wayne is availed the same opportunity we all had when joining the fraternity. He is a man freeborn, of lawful age, and his actions demonstrate he would amply qualify to receive a tongue of good Masonic report from fellow Mason’s should he petition to join. His desires and dealings with the community, both private and public, show him to be a man possessing a high moral fiber. According to an episode of the original Batman series of the 1960’s with Adam West, Bruce Wayne’s aunt is asked if Bruce’s Great-grandfather was tapped out for Yale’s “Skull and Bones” society, another oft-time referred to secret society. Her response, “Tapped out? He founded it!” Incidentally, I could find no conclusive evidence if Adam West was a Freemason or not.

So, you don’t get to be the World’s Greatest Detective without knowing a little bit about a lot of things. Bruce Wayne’s above average intelligence, insatiable curiosity, extensive book collection of arcane books, and thirst for knowledge all provide evidence he had the ability and desire to become a Freemason.

According to Eclipse Path. Bible Prophecy Research, August 11, 1999, the first Shriner temple in New York was named Gotham Temple and “it is alleged that the stories of Batman and Robin from Gotham City are based upon the Gotham Shrine Temple’s alleged war against evil-doers.” In fact, Mecca Temple—founded on 26 September 1872— was originally called New York Temple.

Exhibit A. Detective Comics #38 (April 1940). This issue, the first appearance of Robin, depicts Batman administering the oath and obligation of a crime fighter to his apprentice by candlelight – and by using a grip no less. This is not just some one-off illustration either; this initiation scene (redrawn, but identical in every way) was revisited by DC Comics in 1997, 1999, 2004 and 2010; and is official canon.

Exhibit B. Legends of the Dark Knight #86 – 88 (1996) is a three-part mini-series called “Conspiracy” in which the Caped Crusader investigates a series of murders with loose ties to Masonic legend (amongst the legends of other secret societies). Of all the various murders, Batman immediately recognizes a pattern in three cases and contacts Alfred to confirm his suspicions.

Batman uses his knowledge of Masonic ritual to track a serial killer to the “Temple of the New Dawn”. The source of his knowledge is left unexplained but the conclusion could be drawn, if the reader was so inclined, that he was in fact a freemason.

The three-part story ends with Batman questioning whether or not his role in tracking the killer to the Temple of the New Dawn was not somehow manipulated by some unidentified secret group. The fictional Temple of the New Dawn is also noted as having been created by a “former pulp fiction writer”, an allusion to L. Ronald Hubbard.

As seen above, Alfred does some research, and confirms that the style of the murders exactly matches Batman’s “memory”

from Gotham City are based upon the Gotham Shrine Temple’s alleged war against evil-doers." In fact, Mecca Temple—founded on 26 September 1872— was originally called New York Tem-ple.

Exhibit A. Detective Comics #38 (April 1940). This issue, the first appearance of Robin, depicts Batman administering the oath and obligation of a crime fighter to his apprentice by candlelight – and by using a grip no less. This is not just some one-off illustration either; this initiation scene (redrawn, but identical in every way) was revisited by DC Comics in 1997, 1999, 2004 and 2010; and is official canon.

!

Exhibit B. Legends of the Dark Knight #86 – 88 (1996) is a three-part mini-series called “Con-spiracy” in which the Caped Crusader investigates a series of murders with loose ties to Masonic legend (amongst the legends of other secret societies). Of all the various murders, Batman im-mediately recognizes a pattern in three cases and contacts Alfred to confirm his suspicions.

Batman uses his knowledge of Masonic ritual to track a serial killer to the "Temple of the New Dawn". The source of his knowledge is left unexplained but the conclusion could be drawn, if the reader was so inclined, that he was in fact a freemason.

The three-part story ends with Batman questioning whether or not his role in tracking the killer to the Temple of the New Dawn was not somehow manipulated by some unidentified secret group. The fictional Temple of the New Dawn is also noted as having been created by a "former pulp fiction writer", an allusion to L. Ronald Hubbard.


EducationCould Bruce Wayne (Batman) Have Been a Freemason?


of fabled Masonic ritual (specifically, the Hiramic Legend). The word “memory” is specifically italicized to draw the reader’s attention; highlighting that Batman not only “re-membered” these details (the signs, penalties, and even the dialog of the three degrees) firsthand, but also he recalls them verbatim! I submit that you would have to have seen these degrees in person to know some of these particulars. Batman’s intimate knowledge of Freemasonry is even further highlighted in the story, especially by its comparison to his lack of knowledge regarding the inner workings of other secret societies. He knows the full oath and obligation of all three degrees, but has to look up what an Ouroborus is?

Here is the transcript of the dialogue from the comic book.Batman, Legends of the Dark Knight (1996) Part 1The revolutionary and conspiratorial nature of Freemasonry is claimed through a misrepresentation of actual history:

Alfred: It seems, sir, that ancient “brotherhoods’ and secret societies have been credited or blamed for affecting and even altering history with every possible means from money to assassination... But personally I find such conspiracy thinking rather paranoid and...”

Batman: “Don’t be so sure, Alfred. Before those colonists protested the taxation policies of your King George -- and instigated the revolutionary war by dumping all that tea in Boston harbor-- -- they donned their false Indian regalia in a nearby Masonic lodge.”

Alfred: “The things you know, sir... ...and indeed, since your ‘founding fathers’ were all high-ranking members of the freemason brotherhood, a case has been made that the United States is nothing less than a massive Masonic conspiracy.”

Keeping in mind that this a fictional comic book, in fact, to this day no one knows who planned the 1773 Boston Tea Party.

The actions of a serial killer remind Batman of the mythical murder of Hiram Abiff.

Alfred: “I’ve found the information you requested, sir, and it does indeed corroborate your memory... ...although how you remember such grisly details is beyond--”

Batman: “Just read it, Alfred.”

Alfred: “Well, as you said, sir, the three murderers of the master mason Hiram Abif--architect of the Temple of Solomon--each made a strange statement upon confession... Jubela said: ‘would that my throat were cut across’... ...while Jubleo said: ‘would that my body were cut in the midst’... ...and Jubelum said: ‘would that my left breast were torn and my insides thrown up over my shoulder.’”

This recounting of the Hiramic Legend misspells one of the three ruffian’s names (Jubelo) while conflating a garbled version of the symbolic penalties with a complete rewrite of the details of the legend. It is not until page 9 of Part 3 that the murders are described as a ceremony called “The Killing of the King”, ascribed to various fictional groups: “The Process Union, Shining Path, and New Dawn”.



EducationMason Day on Battleship USS New Jersey

continued from page 41Could Bruce Wayne (Batman) Have Been a Freemason?Batman: Scottish Connection (1998) Exhibit C. Bruce Wayne attends a family reunion in Scotland and foils an attempt to murder the clan. To give Batman suitable adversaries, the authors make use of contemporary fantastical theories about Rosslyn Chapel, “allegedly built by Templar Architects.” [p. 21-22]

“Several Sinclairs belonged to the Order and sonic detectors have located Templar burials deep under the crypt in the sandstone rock.” [p. 24]

Further use is made of a legend about the apprentice’s column: “Enraged, the master killed the apprentice with a single blow from his mallet --” “--in an astonishing parallel with the murder of Hiram Abiff, builder of Solomon’s legendary temple in Jerusalem!” [p. 25]

So to conclude: we have actual documented proof that Batman not only has impossibly

intimate firsthand knowledge of the Masonic legend; but that he also used said Masonic ritual to initiate his own apprentice into his craft (crime fighting). If we were to play detective and apply Occam’s razor (“the simplest answer is most often correct’) to this riddle, the answer is obvious… Batman: Freemason.

Submitted by Bro. Jim Stapleton, USS NJ No. 62

On Sunday, October 22nd, hundreds of Freemasons and family members, hailing from across the tri-state region of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, were welcomed aboard the Battleship New Jersey for an event billed as Masons Day Aboard the Battleship New Jersey. America’s most decorated battleship is docked right here in the 18th District, in Camden, NJ, which made it most appropriate that the event was hosted by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey and the 18th District’s own USS New Jersey Lodge No. 62. Master Masons from the three nearby states were welcomed to obtain complimentary tickets for self-guided tours of the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial.

Among other purposes, the event was intended to acknowledge the Masonic Fraternity’s support for the vessel. According to Distinguished Brother Frank Chiacchio, a member of USS New Jersey Lodge No. 62 and a Docent Supervisor on the Battleship, “Masons Day was the result of a seven year initiative and was the ship’s way of thanking Masons for their support over a period of many years” — support which was recently exemplified by a Master Mason Degree held aboard the Iowa Class Battleship this past July. Sponsored by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, all proceeds from the ticket sales for that Degree were donated to the Battleship.

Nearly three football fields long (887 feet) and over 11 stories high, the 45,000-ton Battleship New Jersey was the longest battleship ever built. If you missed the opportunity to visit on Masons Day, you can always go to visit on your

own. The Battleship Museum and Memorial offers memberships and a wide variety of entertaining events, including some where you can eat and sleep overnight right on the ship. Learn more at the Battleship’s website at http://www.battleshipnewjersey.org.


EducationGM Visits the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Submitted by RW Michael S Neuberger Grand Historian

On Saturday, July 29, 2017, Most Worshipful Dieter B. Hees, Grand Master of Masons for the State of New Jersey, accompanied by over 100 masons, friends, and family, placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Arlington National Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington Virginia, was designated as a military cemetery on May 13, 1864. Fallen soldiers of all conflicts have been buried at Arlington as a tribute to those who have given their full measure in defense of our nation. Originally, Arlington was the estate of Robert E. Lee, General in Chief of the Confederate States of America. The land had originally been part of Lee’s wife’s family, Mary Anna Custis, a great-granddaughter of Martha Washington.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier On March 4, 1921, Congress approved the burial of an unknown solider from World War I. To commemorate the grave, there is a white marble sarcophagus, with a sculpture of three Greek figures representing Peace, Victory, and Valor. Inscribed on the tomb are the words: Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God. In subsequent years, three flat marble slabs have been added to include an unknown soldier from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

On November 11, 1921, an unknown soldier, since buried in France and exhumed and brought back to the United States, was interred in the Tomb of the Unknown Solder with President Warren G. Harding officiating. Of course, we know President Harding as Brother Harding. He was raised in Marion Lodge No. 70 F&AM of Ohio and was a member of Marion Chapter No. 62 R.A.M., Marion Commandery No. 36 Knights Templar, Scioto Consistory A&ASR, Aladdin Temple AAONMS. He was elected to receive his 33rd degree in 1920.

On May 30, 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officiated over the interment of two more unknown soldiers, one from World War II and one from the Korean War.

On May 28, 1984, President Ronald W. Reagan presided over the interment of an unknown soldier from Vietnam; however, using DNA testing the body was exhumed and identified as Lt. Michael J. Blassie. Since then, the tomb for the unknown soldier from Vietnam has remained vacant and

replaced with an inscription that reads, “Honoring and Keeping Faith with America’s Missing Servicemen, 1958-1975”. The Tomb is guarded by the 3rd Infantry Regiment (“The Old Guard”) of the United States Army since April 6, 1948, and is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, rain or shine. Prior to the laying of the wreath, we saw the changing of the guard. The precision was like the finest ballet ever seen. I would recommend every lodge officer, especially the Deacons, to observe this solemn ceremony. The guards practically glided across the floor, with beautiful synchronization. At precisely 12:15 pm, the Grand Master accompanied by three grand staff members who have served our nation, placed the wreath before the tomb. The ceremony concluded with Taps. It was a very emotional and moving experience.

After leaving Arlington, we next visited Mount Vernon to place a wreath at the tomb of Brother George Washington. Two were placed, one by the Grand Master and his beautiful wife, Evelyn, and another by RW Gary Olsen, DDGM of the 17th and his son (maybe a future DDGM in the making). As the wreath was placed, I recalled a quote from Brother Washington:

“When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen; and we shall most sincerely rejoice with you in that happy hour when the establishment of American Liberty, upon the most firm and solid foundations, shall enable us to return to our Private Stations in the bosom of a free, peaceful and happy Country.”

How fortunate are we to have had a leader filled and inspired with such wisdom. He understood duty and responsibility to country. He rose to the occasion to serve his fellow man, and when done, returned to his farm, a quiet and peaceable citizen of the country in which he lived.

Fellowship was enjoyed over dinner at the Mount Vernon Inn. We had left NJ that morning at 7:30 am and returned to NJ at 10:30 pm. It was a long day, but an inspirational day.

God Bless this great land. May He watch over her fighting men and women. May He return them home to their families safely. And should, in His infinite wisdom decide, that they should fall in battle, may He watch over their souls and tend to their families. May He shower them with his manifold blessing. We ask all of this in His Holy Name, Amen.


Job Well Done!

Submitted by Thurman C. Pace, Jr.

The Most Memorable Nine Consecutive Days of My Life (August 6-14, 1945)

Shortly after our victory over Nazi Germany, the 20th Armored Division was notified that they were being deployed to the United States in preparation for the invasion of mainland Japan. This was to be the first time in history that an Armored Division was involved in a landing invasion.

On August 6, 1945 while crossing the Atlantic Ocean

on the U.S.S. Hermitage, a captured Italian luxury liner converted to a troop ship, the ship’s public address system announced that the U.S. had dropped an atom bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, causing tremendous destruction were unaware that such a powerful bomb existed but were glad we developed it before our enemies.

Two days later on August 8, 1945 as we approached New York City harbor, New York City’s Mayor Laguardia came out to greet us on a blimp. As the blimp settled down over our ship, Mayor Laguardia used a loud speaker to welcome us to New York and congratulate us on being a part of winning the war against Nazi Germany. This was totally unexpected but greatly appreciated. A few minutes later as we entered the harbor, I saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time. What a thrill! As we gazed at the New York skyline, I saw about two thirds of a B-24 bomber jutting out of the 79th floor of the Empire State Building. It had crashed into the building a couple of days earlier on a foggy night, killing 14 people.

All the fire boats in the harbor were sounding their horns and spraying water up into the air. Also, every ship in the harbor was sounding its horn. Many of the buildings along the waterfront had huge signs which read “Congratulations” and “Job Well Done”. As a 21-year-old soldier from Alabama, I couldn’t believe the spectacular welcome home we received.

We docked at a Hudson River pier in Manhattan. A large number of Red Cross ladies greeted us with doughnuts, coffee, and milk. I must have eaten 6-8 doughnuts and drunk about a quart of milk. Not in my fondest dream did I think that four years later in 1949 I would be working for a Fortune 500 corporation on Wall Street in Manhattan.

We boarded the Jersey Central ferry boat which several years later I would use in commuting to work on Wall Street. When we docked in New Jersey, we boarded the Jersey Central Railroad train which passed through Westfield, were I

would later live for 49 years. All along the trip people would be waving to us, and a number had signs greeting us. I will never forget their warm welcome in the state I have lived in most of my adult life.

Our train trip ended at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. That evening we were served a steak dinner in the mess hall. It had all the trimmings and was the best meal I had ever had.

The next day we were greeted with a performance by Betty Grable, my favorite movie star who had gorgeous legs. During her show she hiked up her dress numerous times to show her legs, much to the pleasure of all of us. The Gene Krupa Orchestra played for the performance, and we witnessed his wonderful talent with drums.

Later in the day (August 9, 1945) we heard that we had dropped an atom bomb on Nagasaki, Japan. On August 10th I was sent by train to Ft. McPherson, Georgia, where I spent two days before being given a 45-day furlough. I took a bus to Gadsden, Alabama, a trip of 100 miles, arriving on the night of August 12, 1945. It was a complete surprise to my folks as they didn’t know I was back in the United States. (We had no cell phones in those days.) It was great to sleep in my own bed for the first time in awhile.

I spent the next day bringing my family up to date on my experiences and checking up on some of my closest friends.

On August 14, 1945 as we were eating lunch, an announcement was made on the radio that the Japanese Empire had surrendered. My dad jumped up, hugged me, and began crying for joy. It was the only time I saw him cry. My mother gave me a big hug. It was quite an emotional time.

My friend Raymond Hill was home after flying 25 missions as a tail gunner in a B-24 bomber. He came by on his motorcycle. I jumped on it with him, and we rode to Broad Street in the middle of town. It seemed as if everyone came to town to celebrate the end of the war. Since Raymond and I were in uniform, everyone clapped and cheered us as we rode up and down Broad Street for over an hour.

You can see from the above why I say they are the nine most memorable consecutive days of my life. Incidentally, those of you who never fought in a war will never know the feeling of victory.

Ironically, Betty, age 15, was one of the people who rushed to town to celebrate the victory, but we did not know each other at that time. However, five years later we were married--a marriage that has lasted 67 years to date.

Education


Education

Submitted by Matthew A. Leilich, PM, Distinguished Lecturer, Gothic-Fraternal Lodge No. 270

A common problem with learning degree work is trying to remember when to use the word “candidate” and when to use the word “brother.” At the start of each degree the inductee is frequently referred to as a “candidate,” but as the ceremonies progress the word changes and he is then referred to as a “brother.” This begs two questions: First, is it possible to pinpoint the exact moment during the three degrees when a candidate becomes a brother? Second, is this moment consistent with all three degrees?

It seems logical that a candidate would become a brother immediately after he finishes reciting the oath or obligation. After all, the Entered Apprentice Lecture states, “u l h suptg @ ur rt hd rstg upn t thr gt lts % my, i wch du fm u wr md a m.”(1) However, there are two problems with this theory. First, after the inductee finishes reciting the oath, the Worshipful Master twice refers to him as a candidate: “Br S W, rls t cdt fm t c-t.”(2) and “Brn, fm a ldg @ ast m i brng ths cdt fm dkns t c t lt b wch ms w/FcMs w/M Ms w.”(3) Second, and more importantly, the inductee cannot properly identify himself because he has not yet been instructed in the steps, due guards, signs, grips, and words.

If we were to pinpoint the exact moment in the three degrees when a candidate becomes a brother it would be when the Worshipful Master says, “Ars, my br, @ slt t J @ Sr Ws as an E A M/as a Fc M/as a M M.”(4) This is the first time the word brother is used to describe the inductee, and it is also the first time the brother is referred to by the

specific degree he has just gone through. After this point in the ceremonies the word brother is always used to describe the inductee. So if any member of your lodge is having trouble remembering when to use the word “candidate” and when to use the word “brother” just remember any time before the Worshipful Master says “Arise my brother,…” we usually use the word “candidate,” and after, we use the word “brother.”

However, it is important to note there is a slight exception regarding when one becomes a Master Mason. After the Worshipful Master says, “Ars, my br, @ slt t J @ Sr Ws as a M M.”(5) the inductee is still referred to as a brother for the remainder of the degree, but he is not yet considered a full Master Mason. King Solomon explains why, “My br, it bcms m dt t infm u tt u hv nt yt rc t ncs instc tt wl enab u to prv usl a M M,…”(6) A brother finally becomes a full Master Mason at the very end of the second section, when the Worshipful Master and Senior Warden have finished demonstrating the mode and manner of giving the true grip and true word. Only then does the brother possess the knowledge to be able to properly identify himself as a Master Mason.

(1) The Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of New Jersey Ritual Cipher (1967 edition, 2006 reprint), page 37.

(2) Ritual Cipher (1967 edition, 2006 reprint), pages 26, 76, and 127.



(5) Ritual Cipher (1967 edition, 2006 reprint), page 130.

(6) Ritual Cipher (1967 edition, 2006 reprint), page 134.

From a Candidate to a Mason

A common misconception is that one becomes a mason immediately after taking the oath or obligation.


Dressing Your Lodge for SuccessEducation

Submitted by Matthew A. Leilich, PM, Distinguished Lecturer, Gothic-Fraternal Lodge No. 270

Our Masonic lectures have their origins in the High Middle Ages. Medieval guilds often performed public plays centered around a biblical story. These mystery or miracle plays as they were called usually had some connection to whatever product each guild produced. For example, Vinters (wine makers) might perform the story of Jesus turning water into wine, or his parable of the workers in the vineyard. Bakers might recreate the story of the Last Supper or the miracle of the loaves and the fishes. Carpenters might reenact the saga of Noah’s Ark, while stone masons retold the story of the building of King Solomon’s Temple. These plays were usually performed on holy days in honor of each guild’s patron saint or saints, and often atop giant rolling carts called pageant wagons, the origin of modern day pageants. Guildsmen would travel the country performing these plays in addition to their regular work obligations. Most members were illiterate, so they had to learn their lines through constant repetition and memorization.(1)

Centuries later, especially during the Colonial Period, masons often met in the upper levels of taverns. When lectures were given, symbols and images were drawn on the floor in chalk prior to the lecture. These images made it easier for the candidate to learn the lecture, and they also kept the lecturer from losing his place. At the end of the evening the stewards or the Entered Apprentices would mop the floor removing all traces of the pictures and symbols. This routine proved monotonous, so over time masons began to use floor cloths instead, large canvases, one for each degree, with symbols and images painted on them. They were simply rolled out for the degree, then rolled back up when the degree was over. Over time masons began to hang these cloths on walls or on easels like drawing boards. They became known as tracing boards, and over time tracing boards have been replaced with slideshows and PowerPoint presentations.(2) In keeping with this evolving tradition, two lodges in our Grand Jurisdiction, Collingswood-Cloud No. 101 and Amwell No. 12, have come up with innovative ways of presenting the Master Mason Lecture.

Years ago, Cloud Lodge No. 101 began a tradition of performing the Master Mason Second Section in full costumes, much like the Scottish Rite Degree Team does today. No one knows when this tradition began but the elderly brethren of Cloud Lodge contend that it began well before the 1970’s. In 1994 Collingswood Lodge No. 210 merged with Cloud Lodge No. 101 forming Collingswood-Cloud Lodge No. 101. Assimilating Cloud’s proud tradition, Collingswood-Cloud is the only lodge in the state permitted to perform the Master Mason Second Section in full costumes without first having to get a dispensation from Grand Lodge. In 2012 Fred Shindle, a three-time Past Master of Collingswood Lodge, with the assistance of James Perrin Past Master of Collingswood

Lodge, began to incorporate some of the same costumed actors into the Master Mason Lecture. Elements of the lecture are reenacted for the candidate as he listens while props are used.

In 2015 Worshipful Master Matthew Leilich of Amwell Lodge No. 12 began a tradition of delivering the Master Mason Lecture while using some of the objects discussed in the lecture as props. He came up with the idea by examining the language of the lecture, which implied that some of the objects were present in the room. Brother Leilich bought, borrowed, or oversaw the making of all of the first and second classes of emblems and placed them on display in the East. It was a complete success!

Acquiring the items was easy. There are always three steps going up to the East so Worshipful Brother Leilich simply placed numbered pieces of cardboard on each step alongside each of three working tools. The plumb (#1) was placed on first step, the level (#2) on the second, and the square (#3) on the third. He bought an incense pot and incense from Amazon for $20.00. Senior Steward Albert Fanelli constructed a beehive with only $8.00 worth of materials. The Tyler’s sword was placed across a copy of New Jersey’s Constitution and Laws. Brother Leilich borrowed a Confederate Cavalry reenactor’s sword and pointed it at a $9.00 light-up human heart from a Halloween store. The anchor and ark were both purchased from Amazon for $10.00 and $30.00 respectively. The All-Seeing Eye is an inflatable beach ball purchased from Amazon for $3.00. The Forty-Seventh Problem of Euclid was printed at Staples for $20.00. The large brass hourglass was purchased for $60.00 from an antique store in Hightstown New Jersey, and he borrowed the scythe from the Hamilton Township Historical Society. Every lodge has a setting maul and sprig of Acacia. The spade was purchased from Lowes for $13.00, while the coffin and skeleton were both purchased at a Halloween store for $20.00 and $55.00 respectively. The coffin is cardboard and collapsible, while the skeleton placed inside represents “ur mortl rmns.”(3) The total amount of money spent on these items amounted to $248.00.


If you are considering decorating your lodge with the first and second classes of emblems here are some things to consider when choosing your props: There is a difference between a scythe and a sickle. The Master Mason Lecture discusses a scythe which is characterized by a long wooden pole with two handgrips and a long curved blade. The mythical character the Grim Reaper carries one. A sickle is characterized by a short handle and a small semicircular blade. It is often associated with the U.S.S.R., the hammer and the sickle. There is also a difference between a shovel and a spade. A shovel is characterized by a broad blade and long pole with no hand grip, while a spade is characterized by a sharp-edged blade and short handle with a single hand grip. When choosing a spade try to pick one that is similar to the ones depicted in the various Master Mason Lecture slides and PowerPoints. They are distinguished by a curved blade and have a handle. A spade with a square blade and handle is not consistent with the Master Mason Lecture.

Some other suggestions: Consider building a large wooden ark rather than buying one. A larger ark makes it easier for the candidate to identify. Also, consider building the coffin out of pinewood rather than buying a cardboard one. Pine is rather inexpensive and traditionally coffins were made out

of pine. You could even burn “RIP” on the lid of the coffin. Although the skeleton in the coffin represents “ur mortl rmns” you do not necessarily need one. Lastly, consider purchasing a statue of the virgin weeping over a broken column. Some lodges have them. They are a little expensive but they certainly would add to the quality of the lecture.

Collingswood-Cloud and Amwell Lodge have both created unique ways to make the Master Mason Lecture more meaningful for the candidate. It is very hard for some people to sit and attentively listen to a 20-minute lecture. By personalizing the candidate’s initiation experience, he walks away with much greater masonic understanding. There is an old saying often attributed to the Chinese, but its exact origins are unknown, “Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.”

(1) Hodapp, Christopher Freemasons for Dummies (Wiley Publishing, Inc.; Hoboken, NJ, 2005), page 120.(2) Hodapp, Freemasons for Dummies, page 134.(3) The Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of New Jersey Ritual Cipher (1967 edition, 2006 reprint), page 169.(4) Ritual Cipher (1967 edition, 2006 reprint), page 165.(5) Ritual Cipher (1967 edition, 2006 reprint), page 167.(6) Ritual Cipher (1967 edition, 2006 reprint), page 168.(7) Ritual Cipher (1967 edition, 2006 reprint), page 168.

EducationDressing Your Lodge for Success



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Education300th Gala Event

Submitted by RW Michael S Neuberger, Grand Historian

What a night, what a night, what a night! On Sunday, September 17, 2017, brethren, family, and friends gathered at The Liberty House in Jersey City, NJ, to celebrate the 300th founding of the Grand Lodge of England.

You could not have chosen a better venue. The event was held on the top floor of the restaurant, a beautiful room with two open bars, string orchestra playing classical music, and then a DJ once the libations softened inhibitions.

A special thanks to the Visscher family that brought over from the Trenton Temple Museum wonderful artifacts, including the apron of Most Worshipful David Brearley, the first Grand Master of New Jersey who served from 1787-1790. In addition, thank you to the brethren of Hiram and Solomon Cigars, who not only set up a table and sold cigars, but graciously donated $10,000 to the Grand Master’s Charities. (Definitely checkout these great brethren at hiramandsolomoncigars.com).

Out on the deck of the restaurant, were amazing views of the Colgate Clock, the Statute of Liberty, the skyline of New York City, the Hudson River, and the Great Lawn.

The event began with a pledge of allegiance to the flag, the singing of our national anthem and the singing of God Save the Queen by R.W. Raymond Foose, Grand Soloist. The opening benediction was led by R.W. Jeffrey Schwartz, Grand Chaplain of the 24th Masonic District. A wonderful group photo was taken of all 200 guests out on the lawn.

The Grand Historian (that would be me) awed the brethren with a 300 year historical dissertation about the Grand lodge of England and the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, amazingly in under 15 minutes, much to the applause and happiness of the brethren.

The Grand Master thanked all of the brethren and the 300th Gala Team for putting on the event. The Team surprised the Grand Master with a special coin that was designed and struck just for the event.

The party started at 2:00 pm, and people were still posting photos as late as 10:00 pm of the New York City skyline, on a clear night, all lit up in all its glory.

The most amazing scene, was the sight of the Freedom Tower, as the sun began to set, rays of sunshine appeared to be emitting off of the building. Truly beautiful.

A special thank you to all the sponsors of the 300th Ad Journal, that helped raise close to $10,000, all going towards the Grand Master’s charity, the US Coast Guard Monument. In addition, we need to thank all the brethren who work diligently to put on these great events, without these brethren, none of this would ever have come to fruition:

R.W. Moises Gomez, PGHR.W. Michael Holt, GOR.W. Michael Neuberger, GHR.W. Joseph Schwartz, GS R.W. Roy Simpadian, DRI 2nd DistrictR.W. Mohamad Yatim, PGH

Submitted by RW Michael S Neuberger, Grand Historian

Since the beginning, scholars have debated what are the true origins of Freemasonry. Do we originate from the Templar Knights, emanate from Cathedral building stonemasons, hail from Christian mystics such as the Essenes, or harken back from Ancient Egypt carrying on the mysteries of Osiris and Isis? The debate will rage on, but we do know that 300 years ago, four lodges met at a tavern and formed the Grand Lodge of England.

On June 24, 1717, four lodges, the Goose and Gridiron Ale-house, the Crown Ale-house the Apple-Tree Tavern, and the Rummer and Grapes Tavern met at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern and formed the Grand Lodge of England electing Anthony Sayer as the first Grand Master, ushering in what we may call “the Modern Age of Freemasonry”. Not to be outdone, the Grand Lodge of Ireland was formed in 1725, and the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1736.

The first recorded Freemason in America was Bro. John Skene of Aberdeen Lodge No. 1 of Scotland, who came to America in 1682, settling in Burlington County. In 1687, he became the Deputy Governor of the Province of West Jersey.

The first freemason born in America was Bro. Jonathan Belcher, who while made a mason in London, would serve the crown as Governor of Massachusetts, Governor of New Hampshire, and Governor of the Province of New Jersey.

In 1730, Colonel Daniel Coxe of Burlington, New Jersey was appointed as the first Provincial Grand Master of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Coxe would go on to

serve as Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly.

On May 13, 1761, the first lodge formed in New Jersey was St. John’s Lodge No. 1 constituted in Newark by R.W. George Harrison, Provisional Grand Master of New York. Over the years a few more lodges were constituted, including Baskin Ridge Lodge No. 10, formed by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

While between 1761 and 1781, requests for New Jersey to form its own Grand Lodge were denied, new calls for a Grand Lodge sprang up after American Independence. On December 18, 1786, a convention was held at White Hall Tavern in New Brunswick, under the leadership of W.M. William McKissack of Baskin Ridge Lodge No. 10, where some 33 New Jersey Freemasons met and agreed to discuss the formation of a Grand Lodge for New Jersey. Then on January 30, 1787, the Grand Lodge of New Jersey was constituted and elected David Brearley as their first Grand Master. M.W. Brearley would go on to serve as Grand Master for four years until his death in 1790, and while Grand Master, on September 17, 1787, he signed the U.S. Constitution at the Constitutional Convention on behalf of the State of New Jersey. At the time of his death, there were 188 masons in New Jersey across 8 different Lodges.

Today, we are some 17,000 New Jersey Freemasons across some 119 different Lodges, faithfully led by our Grand Master, M.W. Dieter B. Hees.

Congratulations on 300 years of masonry, long may our fraternity celebrate that great mystic tie that binds us from generation to generation.

300 Years of Fellowship


Masons in ActionA Revolutionary Affair

We Wined and Dined at the Open Latino Festive Board!Submitted by R. Fernandez, PM, Associate Editor

RW Roger B. Quintana, DGM was the guest of honor and celebrated his 60th birthday at the 2017 Open Latino Festive board that was held on October 15, 2017 at Spain ‘92 in Raritan, NJ.

Well attended by over 50 brethren and spouses, the attendees enjoyed a splendid Spanish feast with Sangria and were entertained by toasts, poetry readings, songs, and closed the evening to Auld Lang Sine on the bagpipes by Brother Sergio Seijas, proprietor of Spain ‘92. Ricardo Fernandez, PM was the featured speaker on Famous Hispanic Masonic Libertarians: Jose Julian Marti, poet, journalist, national hero of Cuba and the Apostle of Cuban Independence. Cigars grown by Cuban exiles were available as well.

Following our upcoming GM’s trip to Cuba in July 2018, the Open Latino Festive Board will be repeated next September 30, 2018 (location TBD) when we will be again celebrating while learning about another Famous Hispanic Masonic Libertarian (TBD). Since it follows the Cuba trip, there should be Cuban cigars and rum aplenty! Mark your calendars and do not miss the next one!

Submitted by Br. Robert Gaydosh, Raritan Valley Lodge No. 46

Brothers from throughout the 12th Masonic District attended “A Revolutionary Affair”, a Colonial-themed Table Lodge on October 16, 2017 hosted by Union Lodge No. 19.

The guest of honor was RW Raymond P. Helge, DDGM, 12th Masonic District. A talk was given by Br. Jack Sherry impersonating Br. Benjamin Franklin. A wonderful Colonial-style meal was served, toasts were given and good fellowship was had by all.

Pictured, left to right: Br. Robert Gaydosh, Br. Thomas Mazza and WB David Weiss (all from Raritan Valley Lodge No. 46), RW Raymond P. Helge, DDGM, 12th Masonic District, MW John M. Colligas, PGM (2008), Br. Jack Sherry (as Br. Benjamin Franklin), WB Chris Kechula (Raritan Valley Lodge No. 46) and WB Michael Manzella (Union Lodge No. 19).


Masons in ActionNJFM Donation

Submitted by WB Adam M. Reich, on behalf of the Brothers of Asbury Jordan Lodge No. 142 and Ocean Lodge No. 89

…the greatest of these is Charity; for Faith is lost in sight, Hope ends in fruition, but Charity extends beyond the grave, through the boundless realms of eternity. In 2012, the Brothers of Asbury Jordan Lodge No. 142 F. & A. M. in Neptune, NJ made the difficult decision to sell their building and merge with nearby Ocean Lodge No. 89 F. & A. M. in Spring Lake Heights, NJ. During that process, the Brothers earmarked a portion of the sale to be donated to five Masonic and five community organizations in the area. The five community organizations each received a donation in the amount of $25,000: The M. Daniel Regan Foundation, The K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, the Friends of the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center, the Monmouth County Food Bank, and Troopers Assisting Troops. The five Masonic organizations each received a donation in the amount of $75,000: The NJ Masonic Home, The Scottish Rite Dyslexia Foundation, the Shriners Hospital for Children, the Tall Cedars Foundation and a divided donation to three York Right charities (Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation, Knights Templar “Holy Land Pilgrimage”, and the Royal Arch’s

portion was donated to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia “Blood and Marrow Transplant Program”). All totaled, the Brothers donated half a million dollars!

Faith, hope and charity are the three principle tenets of the Masonic Fraternity and the Brothers of Asbury Jordan felt that these donations would not only give back to the community in which they were proud members of, but would also allow the memory of the Lodge to be honored for years to come.

Fast-forward to 2017, the sale and merger were completed and the Brothers were finally able to begin dispersing the charitable donations to the previously selected organizations. During the first half of the year, with the generous assistance of the Brothers of Ocean Lodge No. 89, a group of Brothers representing both Lodges made appearances at each of the organizations’ meetings and presented them with the donations which would assist them in continuing their efforts to help children, families, and overall, make this world a better place. The Brothers of the Lodge were greatly impressed by the work that each of the organizations does and were grateful to be able to support such important endeavors. Every little bit helps, and the Brothers were glad to be able to help a little bit…

WB Adam Reich and Bro. Bill Bersey with the Danny Regan Foundation Board

WB David Winthrop and WB Adam Reich presenting the donation to MW Walter R. Kaulfers, GM 2016

WB Adam Reich and RW John Fudge receiving the Honorary Plaque at the Shriner’s Hospital for Children


Masons in ActionContinuation of Masonic Light

Submitted by WB Aditya Thaker, Bro. Frederick R. Patak, Bro. Paul Remenschneider, Euclid Lodge No. 136

After the Scholarship Night in June and the Incentive Program we hold throughout the year which at Euclid Lodge, we had the honor of having four Brearley Award recipients. We received two recipients before the Summer (Bro. Paul Remenschneider & Bro. Edward Santano) and two after (Bro. Michael J. Kashuba & Bro. John Valentine.)

June 30, 2017 Euclid Lodge No. 136 had a great honor of hosting a Joint Meeting with two other lodges, all of whom meet the same night (1st and 3rd Friday). This was a great way to extend an invitation to brothers who otherwise would be unable to attend each other’s meetings. A dispensation was obtained by R.W. J. Eugene Margroff, Worshipful Master of Wyckoff Lodge No. 287 to move his charter for the purpose of this meeting. W.B. Ed Fernandez, Worshipful Master of Enterprise Lodge No. 31 was called to the East to take part in this special night. With three Worshipful Masters in the East, the Lodge was put on refreshment so the brothers could enjoy presentations given; Twelver Guilty Men, A lesson in Repentance by R.W. Michael S Neuberger Grand Historian, 2017, “Ancient” Freemasonry in the U.S. by R.W. Robert W. Howard, Jr., Past Grand Historian, 2016, and as an epilog, R.W. Robert W. Howard, Jr. also gave a short power point presentation on DeMoulin Bros. and Co. The lodge was closed by the two Worshipful Masters and he final gavel sounded at approximately 9:40pm with assistance of W.B. Ed Fernandez, Worshipful Master of Enterprise Lodge No. 31.

Upon returning from summer break the lodge hosted its first Hawaiian Night during which Brothers wore Hawaiian shirts and leis around their neck for the festivities and greeted each other after not seeing each other for a few months.

Due to the success of the first Wine Glass Painting/Bow Tie Night, Euclid Lodge had this event a second time with a Halloween theme. Bro. Paul Remenschneider and Bro. Josh Barnett taught the men how to tie a bow tie. WB Aditya Thaker’s younger brother, Joshil Sangtani, an expert on

solving the Rubik’s Cube within one minute, taught the algorithm on how to solve one on your own. The ladies had an incredible time painting their Halloween witch themed wine glasses under the instruction of the WM’s lady, Jasmin Joshi.

Set to the backdrop of a welcoming Oktoberfest celebration, on Friday, October 20, 2017, Euclid Lodge No. 136, of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, had its annual Silver Token awards ceremony. Complete with authentic German cuisine provided by Euclid Lodge’s own Sr. Warden Franco Bernardo, owner of Bensi Ristorante. The tables were filled with an array of German classics such as bratwurst, sauerkraut,

red and green cabbage, and roasted vegetables. Family and friends were all well fed before proceeding upstairs for the presentations of the Silver Token achievement pins; marking one of the five year anniversaries from when the brothers were raised to the sublime degree of master mason. With Charismatic and sentimental introductions by Worshipful Master Aditya Thaker the recipients were requested to approach the East to receive their pins. From the newer brothers reaching their first major milestone of five years, getting a pin in what will, hopefully, be a long line of achievements, in freemasonry, to some of the senior members of the lodge hitting their forty-fifth anniversary, or the final step before entering into the ever coveted and prestigious position of gold token recipient. Honored to receive their pins the brothers were asked if they would like someone special to pin their achievement on to them. Choosing mentors, family members, and wives all the recipients were offered a moment to speak from the heart; thanking the lodge and families for their support, offering words of advice to the newer brothers, and telling of what a wonderful part of their lives freemasonry has been. The evening rounded off with everyone retiring downstairs to enjoy some cake, coffee, libations and of course the company of the family, friends, and brothers that make Euclid Lodge and freemasonry such a wonderful part of life. Those family and friends that give our brothers the strength and support that help make Euclid Lodge so great. Frederick R. Patak.

On Nov 24, 2017, Euclid Lodge No. 136 participated in the Hasbrouck Heights Holiday Parade. The parade is an annual event held the day after Thanksgiving from as far back as I can remember, and signifies the opening of the

Continuation of Masonic Light

Masons in ActionChildren’s Dyslexia Centers of New Jersey


Submitted by Kevin W. Engemann, Chairman, Board of Governors, Children’s Dyslexia Centers of NJ, Scotch Plains Campus

The members of Mt. Zion Chapter of DeMolay, along with the Chapter Dad, Brother Ray Fortuna, presented the Children’s Dyslexia Centers of NJ, Scotch Plains Campus Board of Governors a check in the amount of $2,000.00. This donation represented the net proceeds from the Chapter’s first annual Family Fun Day held at Mt. Zion Lodge on July 29, 2017.

The Mt. Zion DeMolay Chapter is sponsored by Mt. Zion Lodge No. 135 in Metuchen, New Jersey.

Chapter Dad, Brother Ray Fortuna informed the Scotch Plains Board of their success in raising funds for their

DeMolay Chapter via Krispy Kreme Donuts Sales.

The Krispy Kreme Donuts fundraiser was so successful for the DeMolay Chapter, the Scotch Plains Board of Governors decided to run their own donut fundraiser with the help of the Mt. Zion DeMolay, parents of students, teachers, and Board members of our local Scotch Plains Campus.

In total, 319 dozen donuts were sold, yielding a net profit of $1,681.00 for the Center. The Center will be holding its next Krispy Kreme Donuts fundraiser in Spring 2018.

The Scotch Plains Campus is currently home to fifty (50) students, twenty-five (25) Teachers, two (2) Co-Directors, and fifteen (15) Board of Governor members providing students affected with Dyslexia in our twice weekly after school program utilizing the Orton-Gillingham approach for reading remediation.

If you would like to help support our Center by donating, you have two options!

On our website: https://dyslexiasp.org/help.php and click the PayPal link.

By check made payable to: Children’s Dyslexia Centers of NJ MEMO: Scotch Plains Campus

Mail to: Children’s Dyslexia Centers of NJ, Scotch Plains Campus Attn: Kevin W. Engemann, Chairman 301 Forest Road Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076

holiday season. This was the first year Euclid Lodge has ever participated in this town parade. WB Dragan Blanusa, took a trip to Crescent Shrine in Westampton, NJ and picked up their Masonic Trolley which they were kind enough to allow us to use. As a Lodge with in the town of Hasbrouck Heights, we were hoping for a large turnout, and that we had. All Masons wore aprons and jewels and marched in 3 columns. The lodge was led out by Sir Knight Edward R. Kotwica, III, Eminent Commander followed by our Standard bearer and the members of Euclid No. 136, Peninsula No. 99, and Pocono No. 780 Of Pennsylvania. The columns were completed by Crescent Shrine’s Trolley. Following the Holiday Parade, a light dinner was served for friends and family of all who participated. The Chairman of the Chamber Of Commerce personally came to the lodge to thank us for marching with hopes that we have started a new tradition for Euclid No. 136. Marchers of Note: RW Carlos A. Martinez Sr., RW Michael Holt, WB Aditya Thaker, WB Dragan Blanusa (Trolley driver), and Br. David Meaney of Pocono Lodge No. 780 PA. W Br. Aditya Thaker thank you for giving Br. Edward Santano and I the privilege of running this event. Paul Remenschneider.

For the purposes of education and self-improvement Euclid Lodge also had movie and book recommendations for the Brothers. Many of these movies were played at the lodge during monthly movie nights to bring light to the Brothers as well as their significant others who wished to join. To list a few movies: The Secret, What the #$*! Do We (K)now!?, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, The Fountain, Branded, and Money as Debt. Some book recommendations were also mentioned in the monthly Euclid Trestleboards: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, The Republic by Plato, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Art of War by Sun Tzu, and The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason.

Let us bring the spark back into masonry and know that there is more to lodge than minutes and dinner. We can learn from each other and go beyond this plan to achieve something we thought we never could. As long as we do it together, as the craft grows we can all grow with it.



Masons in Action

Submitted by V:.B:. Michael S Neuberger, PSM of Da Vinci Council No. 477 AMD

The New Jersey Statewide Harold V.B. Voorhis A.M.D. In-Gathering was held at Atlas Pythagoras Lodge, 1011 Central Avenue Westfield, NJ on Saturday August 5, 2017.

Our guest of honor this year was M:.V:. Gary B. Hinson, Sovereign Grand Master of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America. In attendance, from the Grand Council, were R:.V:. Mohamad A. Yatim, Senior Grand Deacon; R:.V:. Oscar Alleyne, Grand Superintendent of NY; R:.V:. Yasser AlKhatib, Grand Superintendent of PA East; and R:.V:. Moises I. Gomez, Honorary Senior Grand Deacon. R:.V:. Henry G. Abel III, Grand Superintendent of New Jersey was unable to attend for joyful family reasons, nevertheless his contributions to the success of this event were apparent to all in attendance. V:. Michael S. Neuberger, PSM of Da Vinci Council No. 477 was given the responsibility to run the in-gathering in his stead.

The In-Gathering was open by V:. Neuberger at 9:30 am sharp. He presented to the brethren the visiting elected Grand Officers of the York Rite Bodies present, represented by R.E. David L. Tucker, Grand Scribe of The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of New Jersey and M.I. Brian H. Blades, PMIGM-2002 of the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of the State of New Jersey, after which they were given a hardy round of applause. He then presented to the brethren the Sovereign Grand Master, M:.V:. Gary B. Hinson, and the Grand Council officers accompanying him. After grand honors were provided by the brethren, V:.B:. Michael S Neuberger tendered the gavel to the Sovereign Grand Master, who briefly addressed the brethren and returned the gavel to V:.B:. Michael S. Neuberger to proceed with the day’s events.

The lectures for the day included:

• “Prince Edwin, the Birth of a Myth” by V:.B:. Robert Howard, PSM of Daniel Coxe Council No. 479 AMD. He discussed why every New Jersey Blue Lodge Charter contains the name of Prince Edwin of York.

• “Freemasonry and the Mystic Schools of the East” by R:.V:. Mohamad A. Yatim, PSM of Da Vinci Council No. 477 AMD. We are all aware of the Western Mystical traditions that exist within our fraternity, but R:.V:. Yatim took us on a journey through the Mystical traditions of the East and their connections to our traditions.

• “12 Guilty Men: A Lesson in Repentance” by V:.B:. Michael S Neuberger, PSM Da Vinci Council No. 477 AMD. He discussed the guilt of the 12 walking craftsmen and their journey towards repentance.

• “Temple to Temple” by V:.B:. Howard Z. Kanowitz, PSM J. Howard Haring Council No. 116 AMD. A history of the Jewish people from the building and destruction of King Solomon’s Temple to the building and destruction of Zerubbabel’s Temple.

In addition to the lectures, the degree of St. Lawrence the Martyr was conferred and Bro. Gregory Watts, a newly received AMD member of Gnothi Seauton Council No. 537 from Pennsylvania, served as the exemplar.

The day concluded with remarks from the Grand Council delegates and our Sovereign Grand Master, after which, V:.B:. Michael S Neuberger closed the In-Gathering at 2:30 pm and the brethren retired to the collation room for fellowship, cake, and a few cigars.

2017 NJ Statewide Voorhis A.M.D. In-Gathering



Masons in Action

Submitted by K.C. Jeffrey R. Chan, York Rite Sovereign College of North America - Deputy Grand Governor for New Jersey

Freemasonry has continued the method of teaching by symbol and by allegory. We are assured at the very entrance to our mysteries:

“Freemasonry is a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.”

Unfortunately, many fail to understand the allegories, and few study its beautiful symbols.

So, what is this system of Morality passed down through the ages? Rooted in Antiquity, it admonishes us to walk uprightly before God and Man; it charges us to learn to subdue passions, act upon the square, maintain a tongue of true Masonic Report, maintain secrecy and practice charity. You might have heard that Freemasonry is a way of life, a Man’s guide to living properly passed down through the ages. In the past, these principles were commutated by word of mouth; mouth to ear as it was known. In the late Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries, the invention of the printing presses united with Freemasonry and Masonic Scholars began to record and publish these ideologies in manuscripts, better known as Monitors.

The York Rite Sovereign College of North America, who

I serve as Deputy Grand Govender for New Jersey, has established a program to restore these connections. Named “Companion Adept at the Temple”, it is an online self-study program directed to members of The Knight Templars focused on the ritualistic, philosophical, and esoteric teachings of the York Rite. Information is derived through eight Monitors written in the Nineteenth Century by Masonic Scholars Jeremy Ladd Cross, Thomas Smith Webb, Albert Mackey and other Masonic Writers from the period. Although focused on York Rite Masonry, any member of the craft can benefit from the information conveyed by this program.

Prior to this period, Freemasonry was a series of lectures; each lecture equating to a Degree of the York Rite. It is the complete story of Freemasonry which was, at some point in time, cut short due to member’s time restraints in modern societies. Today’s Freemasonry is more like “Cliff’s Notes” of the unabridged lessons.

Review of the old Monitors gives Brothers of Freemasonry better understanding of who we are, what we do, how we do it and why we do it.

A link to the Monitors is posted on the website. The Monitors are in PDF form which can be downloaded and saved for future reference plus there is a link to purchase hard copies if desired.

http://companionadept.wixsite.com/companionadept

A Program to Educate the Brothers

Jeffrey R. Chanis an Associate Regent with the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, Past Master of William L. Daniels Lodge No. 269; Past Grand Chaplain; Secretary of Ark of the Covenant Chapter No. 11 Royal Arch Masons; Recorder of Zabud Council No. 5 Royal and Select Masters; Recorder of Hugh de Payens Commandery No. 1 Knights Templar; Secretary of the North Jersey Past Masters Masonic Association; 320 Member of the Valley of North Jersey and Noble of Salaam Shriners.

He is also a member of St. Joseph Conclave Red Cross of Constantine; Veritas Court No. 112 Court of Athelstan; Shrewsbury Priory No. 4 Knight York Rite Cross of Honor and Sea of Galilee Tabernacle No. 4 Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests.

He holds the DeMolay Legion of Honor, Knight Templar Cross of Honor, C.H. Schmidt Medal, RAM Distinguished Service Medal and York Rite Gold Honor Award.

He presently serves as Director of Capitular Education of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Jersey and Cryptic Education Coordinator for the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of New Jersey.


A Program to Educate the Brothers

Submitted by RW Mohamad A. Yatim, PGH

December 13, 2017 marked the 6th year that a Grand Master and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey attended and participated in a ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Memorial when the Wreaths Across America convoy stopped in route to Arlington National Cemetery with Remembrance Wreaths for our Nations Honored Hero’s.

Our Most Worshipful Grand Master Dieter B. Hees participated in the ceremony and placed the Service Wreath for the United States Coast Guard during the ceremony.

The Grand Master joined Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Thomas Donlon who, along with his wife, were the Grand Marshals of the convoy. Colonel Donlon was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War.

The opening prayer was given by RW Neal E. Bottomley, Grand Chaplin with the United States Navy Honor Guard presenting the National Colors and the United States Army Honor Guard rendering a 21 gun rifle salute during the ceremony. TAPS were played in an echo form by two buglers present, one being a student from Point Pleasant High School.

During the ceremony 21 Gold Star Families received a Remembrance Wreath which were presented by Student Council Officers from Point Pleasant Beach High School.

There are at the New Jersey Vietnam Memorial 366 granite panels representing one year during that conflict. Of the 366 panels there are seven which do not have a name(s) inscribed on the panel thus denoting that no soldier from New Jersey lost his life on that day. Wreaths Across America and Morrill Worchester donated the 366 wreaths for the days ceremony and were placed at the base of each panel by

Brethren of the 17th Masonic District during the snow storm of December 9, 2017 in 20 degree temperatures.

Over the course of the past six years the Masons of New Jersey have participated in and joined the National program of Wreaths Across America in their mission to Remember, Honor and Teach. The number of Wreaths placed by New Jersey Masons in the past six years has grown from 154 wreaths in 2011 to 2,698 wreaths in 2017 with the number of Masonic Districts participating now at seven. The Grand Master’s wife Evelyn Hees adopted the Laurelton Baptist Church Cemetery in Brick, NJ and was able to place a wreath on every veteran’s grave on December 16, 2017 that total being 138 Remembrance Wreaths.

Remembrance Wreaths were placed on two Past Grand Masters graves in Jersey City, on Revolutionary Veterans graves in Rahway Cemetery, on two Civil War Veterans buried at the Quaker Meeting House Cemetery in Manasquan and on 63 Crosses at Elk Point in Freehold. These are just a few of the sites taken care of by Brother Masons, Lodges and Districts of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey in 2017.

Wreaths Across America began 26 years ago when nearly 5,000 Remembrance Wreaths were donated and placed on the headstones of our nations hero’s in the oldest section of Arlington National Cemetery. Today and since 2007 Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation and currently ranked in the top 20 such corporations spending the lowest money for administrative costs. The past three years have seen every veterans Grave at Arlington receive a Remembrance Wreath, a total exceeding 264,000 graves. In 2017 a total in excess of 1,570,000 Remembrance Wreaths were placed in the United States and elsewhere in the world.

Brethren, we should always recognize and remember the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families. When was the last time a World War I veteran, and possibly a Brother Mason was remembered with a flower placed on the grave? Brothers please help to make sure our veterans are not forgotten and encourage your Brothers, your Lodges and Districts to help further the mission of Wreaths Across America in the years to come. Shame on us if we ever forget OUR VETERANS.

Wreaths Across America 2017Masons in Action


Masons in ActionCongratulations Scholarship Recipients

This year, applications were sent to Rahway, Perth Amboy, Woodbridge, Colonia, and John F. Kennedy (Iselin) High Schools for students to apply to Lafayette Lodge’s Raritan-Americus Lodge Free and Accepted Masons Scholarship Program. Most years the Committee studies 20 or more requests. This year was a little less, but the high caliber of students that applied made the job quite difficult. Two students stood out and the Scholarship Committee gave out 2 $1000. Scholarships. The winning recipients were Ms. Brunella Godoy of Colonia, and Ms. Theresa Abner of Woodbridge High School.

These young ladies are so conscientious regarding their work ethic that they couldn’t take time off from their

summer jobs to have their photo taken on a mutual day. Ms. Godoy will study nursing at Rutgers and Ms. Abner will attend The Fashion Institute of Technology of NYC. The Committee grades their applicants on several criteria including Academics, extracurricular activities, and financial need. RW Warren Gerber, a member of the Committee said, “These two students were both at the top on everything. We just had to donate to both of them”. The chairman of the Scholarship Committee is RW John Bergacs III and the third member is WB Larry Bodine. Those with questions about the Scholarship may contact RW Bergacs at Lafayette Lodge No. 27, 1550 Irving St., Rahway, N.J. 07065.

Left to right: Derrick Roberts JW, Larry Bodine PM, Ms. Godoy, RW John Bergacs III, RW Warren Gerber

Masons on Parade in NJ’s Annual Hispanic ParadeSubmitted by R. Fernandez, PM, Associate Editor

New Jersey’s Annual Hispanic Parade returned once again to North Hudson on Sunday October 1, as hundreds of Hispanic Americans flocked to the streets of North Bergen, West New York and Union City to celebrate their heritage.

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez was among local dignitaries in attendance for the procession, which began at 79th Street and Bergenline Avenue in North Bergen. The parade made its way down Bergenline Avenue, through West New York and concluded at 42nd Street in Union City. This year’s festivities marked the 41st year the parade has been held.

NJ Masons were well represented. RW Roger B. Quintana, DGM, was present and led our masonic contingent of 40 + Masons as we proceeded past the well-attended parade route. Afterward, the brethren gathered for food and refreshments at Los Hijos y Amigos de Fomento, a social club on 38th street in Union City. A good day had by all.

Hat tip to WB Yoel Lee for organizing this important and fun event, including the cigars and rum!

Left to right: WB’s Jose Perez, Yoel Lee, RW Roger Quintana, WB Ricardo Fernandez and brother Andrew Quintana

Left to right: Larry Bodine PM, Ms.Abner, WM Ray Siecinski


Masons in ActionFreemasons Launch Zero Hunger Campaign

Lodge No.62 Contestant Wins Miss Camden County

Submitted by W. Bro. Martin Bogardus, Associate Editor

It is with great pleasure that we bring you news of the victory of Sophia Vicari, daughter of Worshipful Master Scott Vicari, of USS New Jersey Lodge No. 62, in the 2017 Miss Camden County Pageant. If perchance you attended USS New Jersey’s “A Night at the Races” event back in August, you will remember Sophia as the dynamic and vivacious Mistress of Ceremonies, who handled the evening with the utmost

professionalism and aplomb. The lodge sponsored Sophia in the Miss Camden County competition, providing her entrance fee — a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network on behalf of Sophia and the pageant. Worshipful Master Vicari and all his USS NJ brethren are understandably proud. Having donned the crown of Miss Camden County, Sophia will next compete in the Miss New Jersey Pageant, in June, 2018. Our heartiest congratulations and best wishes for continued success go out to her.

Submitted by Bro. Antonio C. Rivera, Worshipful MasterHippocrates Renaissance Lodge No. 304

Hoboken, New Jersey—The brethren of Hippocrates Renaissance Lodge No. 304 will launch its public awareness campaign to Zero-Out Hunger within New Jersey by feeding the homeless and the hungry at the Hoboken Shelter on Saturday, December 23, 2017. The campaign to Zero-Out Hunger is part of the lodge’s strategy to join the chorus of non-profit organizations that are already doing the hard work of showing compassion for those in need of a warm meal.

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, once stated, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” However, in the case of millions of Americans who are low-income, impoverished, and/or malnourished, lack of proper food and nutrition is a major cause of deleterious mental and physical health conditions. “Our objective is to stand up, play our civic role, albeit a minor role relative to the task at hand, and hopefully inspire others to join the effort to zero-out hunger” stated Antonio Rivera, the newly elected Worshipful Master of the lodge—an Old English Title bestowed upon the president of the lodge.

The brethren of Hippocrates Renaissance Lodge No. 304 were inspired to start the campaign to Zero-Out Hunger as a result of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, wherein goal number 2 of the 17 is Zero Hunger. Anyone

interested in learning more about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals can visit the lodge website at www.hrl304.org to find the links to the global goals for humanity’s greater good.

Hippocrates Renaissance Lodge No. 304 intends to give back to the community by sponsoring and feeding the homeless and the hungry throughout Hudson County. “With Christmas around the corner, there is nothing more fulfilling to the Christmas spirit than to be at a food shelter giving to others in a non-judgmental and compassionate manner,” stated Valentine Villarba, a lodge member and chairman of the charitable effort.

For more information or to assist the efforts, e-mail the lodge at [email protected].

Masons on Parade in NJ’s Annual Hispanic Parade


Masons in ActionHurricane Relief

Masons in NJ were called to help first for Texas, then Florida and finally Puerto Rico. Three drop zones were set up to help collect items for the relief efforts. MW Glenn Trautmann in the north, RW Michael Holt in the central and RW Andy Churney in the south at the Masonic Fellowship Center. We were able to collect a full Truck that RW Ken Wasiewicz

drove to Texas. Additionally, money was also collected and distributed to Texas, Florida and for Puerto Rica. We were also able to load two freight carriers out of the Port Authority out of Bayonne for the Puerto Rico relief. Thank you NJ Masons, families and friends for your generosity during their time of need.

Arden Niessner, School Teacher at Oaklyn Public Schools posses with RW Andy Churney, Director of Outreach. Arden, the daughter of RW George Niessner, had her class collect items for the Texas & Florida Relief effort. The Students donated food, clothing and essentials for the relief. We thank you Oaklyn School District and Arden for all your help.


Masons in ActionMasonic Recognition Sunday

Submitted by RW Walter A. Siri, Jr., PGC

The history between the Carlstadt First Presbyterian Church and Eclipse Lodge No. 259 dates back over 91 years to May 1, 1926, the date that Eclipse Lodge was Constituted. One of our Charter Members and our first Chaplain was Reverend Brother Ferdinand Kohler, Pastor of the Carlstadt First Presbyterian Church. Following in Rev. Br. Kohler’s Masonic footsteps were Rev. Br. E. William Geitner, Rev. Br. William G. Doxey, Jr. and currently Rev. Brother Donald M. Pitches, all of whom served as Chaplains of the Lodge. On Sunday, November 5, 2017, Worshipful Brother Christopher N. White and members of Eclipse Lodge No. 259, F.& A.M, gathered at the Carlstadt First Presbyterian Church to celebrate Masonic Recognition Sunday Service. This church service has been an annual event between the Church and Eclipse Lodge for some 20 years and was started by WB Walter A. Siri, PM and Reverend Brother Donald Pitches. What makes this church service so special is that all parts are performed by Masons, from the Call to Worship to the serving of Holy Communion. This year’s service was even more meaningful as the members of Eclipse Lodge dedicated a monument in the church’s courtyard in honor of the Pastors of the Church who were members of Eclipse Lodge and served as Chaplains of the Lodge. Many thanks to the

Monument Committee: WB Walter Siri, PM, RW Walter Siri, Jr., PGC, WB Christopher White, Sitting Master, Br. Robert Flick and Br. Andrew Donaldson, job well done!

Pictured above from left to right are WB Henry Heber, PM, RW Wayne Heber, PGC, Br. Andrew Berry RW Roy Herzfeld, PGC, DB Keith DeNunzio, WB James Aglione, PM,WB JohnPaul Aglione, PM, WB Christopher White, Sitting Master, Br. Andrew Donaldson, Br. Zoran Milevski, Rev. Br. Donald Pitches, RW Walter Siri, Jr., PGC, RW J. Eugene Margroff, DDGM-2 and WB Walter Siri, PM. Photograph by Mrs. Bo Siri.

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